Launch of 4th Population Policy TF... "Responding to Population Structure Changes with Urgency"

by Son Seonhee

Published 17 Feb.2022 17:45(KST)

Lee Eok-won, Vice Minister of Strategy and Finance (center), is presiding over the 4th Population Policy TF Kickoff Meeting held on the 17th at the Government Seoul Office in Gwanghwamun, Seoul.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Son Seonhee] The 4th government-wide Population Policy Task Force (TF) was launched on the 17th to respond to changes in the population structure. It includes participation from 18 government ministries, national research institutes, and private expert groups.

Lee Eokwon, 1st Vice Minister of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, held the Population Policy TF launch meeting at the Government Seoul Office in the afternoon and said, "As changes in the population structure, such as prolonged ultra-low birth rates and an expanding decline in the working-age population, are progressing faster than expected, the 'golden time' to address population issues is rapidly shrinking. Relevant ministries must urgently prepare response measures for these changes."

The government launched the inter-ministerial Population Policy TF in 2019 and operated it three times until last year. Vice Minister Lee said, "While we consider that some achievements have been made through the TF, the reality before us remains challenging. Rapid aging is progressing due to the baby boom generation (7.1 million people) entering old age, and with a significantly worsened birth rate outlook, if a short-term rebound does not occur, the impact of population structure changes is expected to be even more severe," expressing concern.

Accordingly, the government plans to operate the TF focusing on four major areas: expanding the working-age population, strengthening adaptability to a shrinking society, preparing for an aging society, and responding to ultra-low birth rates.

Vice Minister Lee emphasized, "For the Population Policy TF to achieve results, active participation from relevant ministries and the Population Policy Research Group is essential," and urged, "Please engage in discussions with an active and forward-looking attitude through inter-ministerial collaboration."