<Anchor> It is a
friendly economic time.
Today (6th) will be with reporter Kim Hye-min.
Reporter Kim, when you look at the books that have prospects related to the future, there are many voices who are very worried about the population decline.
However, it is said that the population decline in Korea is particularly serious.
<Reporter>
Yes, there are many couples who do not have children or people who do not get married these days.
For the first time in the history of demographic statistics in Korea, a'dead cross' appeared last year.
This dead cross means that the number of newborns is less than the number of deaths. If you look at the graph, the birth and death graphs reversed last year.
There were more than 20,000 fewer newborns than the dead.
The National Statistical Office predicted that this dead cross would only begin in 2029 in 2016, but this period started from last year, nine years earlier.
Why is the rate of population decline so fast?
The conditions for marrying and having children in Korea are very difficult, and it seems that the low birth rate is accelerating as the impact of Corona 19 has been hit.
<Anchor>
Then I think we should take a look at how this population decline affects the economic growth rate.
<Reporter>
Yes, it is.
It's because of the aging population. If the birth rate decreases like this, the aging will naturally get worse.
Even now, one in four Korean citizens is in their 60s or older, and if it remains the same, the total cost of support for children and the elderly is expected to increase threefold over 50 years.
Then, in 2067, Korea will be ranked as the world's No. 1 country in the burden of support, and there are also predictions that a decline in population will lead to a decline in the potential growth rate and a reduction in the size of the economy.
In order to solve this low birth rate problem, the government is constantly putting out such measures.
Last year, a budget of 45 trillion won, the largest ever, was invested, which amounts to close to 160 million won per newborn.
Nevertheless, real parents say, "I can't feel it."
Unfortunately, the situation is repeated every year where money is spent as it is and has little effect.
<Anchor>
Money is spent on money, but it doesn't work, and I think it's time to check the policy itself from the beginning.
But, while the population is declining, the total number of households is increasing?
<Reporter>
Yes, it is because the number of single-person households is increasing. Last year, single-person households accounted for about 39% of the total.
It means that 4 out of 10 houses live alone.
Also, the number of households with only two people is also increasing, so the number of families per household has dropped to an average of 2.24.
Until now, the standards of various systems and policies in Korea have mostly been set for three-person households with one child in a couple.
But now only 17% of the three-person households are.
That's why some point out that these policies need to be changed quickly.
<Anchor>
Then, what is the living standard and satisfaction level of the increasing number of single-person households?
<Reporter>
Some time ago, the Seoul Metropolitan Government conducted a single-person household survey.
Until the 30s, the standard of living was almost the same as those of two or more people.
However, the problem is that there are far fewer single-person households in their 40s or older than households with two or more regular workers.
Also, it was found that from their 40s, single-person households have lower financial status, happiness in social life, and health satisfaction than multi-person households.
Still, 62% of those living alone continued to want to live alone.
When asked why, 7 out of 10 answered that it was because they could live independently without interference.
In addition, those who live alone answered that they need housing security support the most, and that they also need to maintain basic income.
<Anchor>
Reporter Kim, the last news is that alcohol and cigarettes were sold a lot?
<Reporter>
Yes, we released the data a while ago, and it is said that Koreans have the most money ever spent on alcohol and tobacco.
In the third quarter of last year, alcohol and tobacco expenditures exceeded KRW 4.29 trillion, which is the largest amount since the Bank of Korea published related statistics in 1970.
This phenomenon is probably affected by Corona 19.
It is estimated that alcohol and cigarettes are consumed a lot as more people are under extreme stress from the economic crisis and Corona Blue.
Everyone remembers the 1997 financial crisis.
Even at this time, it is said that alcohol and tobacco spending increased by 20% from a year ago.
Corona 19, with no end in sight, will end someday.
Until then, I think I will need a healthy way to relieve stress, not alcohol and tobacco.