President Lee Jae-myung said on Friday that government policies should not hinder young couples from getting married, pledging to review 22 policy hurdles. The announcement was made during a meeting on demographic issues, as South Korea faces record-low birth rates and a rapidly aging population.
Lee emphasized that the government would identify and remove unnecessary regulations that make it difficult for young people to marry and start families. The 22 policy areas under review include housing, employment, childcare, and tax benefits, according to the presidential office.
The move comes amid growing concerns over South Korea's demographic crisis. In 2025, the country's total fertility rate hit a record low of 0.71, far below the replacement level of 2.1 needed to maintain a stable population. The government has been exploring various measures to encourage marriage and childbirth, including financial incentives and expanded parental leave.
Critics argue that policy changes alone may not be enough to reverse the trend, citing high costs of living, competitive education system, and changing social attitudes. However, Lee's pledge signals a renewed focus on addressing the structural barriers that discourage young couples from marrying.
