South Korea faces a demographic crisis characterized by an alarmingly low birth rate and a rapidly aging population. In this episode, we discuss the cultural, economic, and social factors contributing to these trends, including shifting attitudes toward marriage, family, and the impact of forced early retirement policies. We examine the government’s efforts to boost the birth rate, why financial incentives have failed, and the challenges posed to national security, particularly for the military. The episode also explores the potential of increased immigration as a solution, the societal implications of such a shift, and how South Korea’s approach compares with strategies in other East Asian nations like Japan and China. Join us for an insightful analysis of one of the most pressing issues facing South Korea today.