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In a twist that no one quite saw coming, sales of dog strollers are outpacing baby strollers in South Korea, a country grappling with the world’s lowest birth rate. It’s a strange yet symbolic shift that has some wondering if man's best friend is slowly replacing, well, man. As society barrels through the pressures of 2024, it seems humans are creating an environment more favorable for four-legged companions than for their own offspring. With rising living costs, unaffordable housing, and long work hours, fewer people opt for the traditional family model. And who can blame them when owning a dog appears to be the more viable option?
As nations across the globe experience population decline, South Korea stands out. The country recorded a fertility rate of just 0.72 in 2023, far below the 2.1 needed to maintain a stable population. While fewer babies are born, pets are increasingly filling the void. The number of households with pets nearly doubled between 2012 and 2023, reaching 6 million. The trend is clear: babies are out, and puppies are in. A survey by Gmarket revealed that, in 2023, more pet strollers were sold than baby strollers, a remarkable statistic that shows how deep this cultural shift goes.
A National Crisis, or Just Evolution?
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South Korean labor minister Kim Moon-soo expressed concern over the growing affection for dogs over potential spouses and children, stating in 2023 that young people "don’t get married, and they don’t have children." Even President Yoon Suk Yeol has acknowledged the issue, labeling it a “demographic national emergency.” With fewer children being born, the nation’s economy faces long-term challenges as the population ages and shrinks.
High costs of living, combined with societal and workplace pressures, create a climate where raising children seems impossible. The “motherhood penalty” looms over women who fear that having a baby will sabotage their careers. South Korea's patriarchal society and intense work culture only exacerbate these issues. Women often feel stuck between pursuing a career and having a family, and the workplace remains male-dominated.
More Than Just an Economic Issue
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But the issue runs deeper than economics and career prospects. The culture around dating and relationships has also shifted, making it harder for people to find compatible partners. Generational differences play a big role in this, with Gen Z men and women drifting to opposite extremes on the political spectrum. This divide has given rise to movements like South Korea’s radical 4B, where women are swearing off dating entirely, citing gender inequality.
In this new world, owning a dog makes more sense than having a child for many young adults. While politicians like Kim Moon-soo might shake their heads at the rise of dog strollers, it’s clear that the trend reflects a larger, deeper struggle. And as birth rates continue to decline, the humble puppy pram may be here to stay.
