The labor market of South Korea is experiencing notable demographic changes due to rapid population aging, posing challenges for future economic productivity and social welfare systems.
Table 1 – South Korea population projections 2025–2065
| Year | Active Workforce (Aged 15–64) (Millions) | Youth and Retirees (Aged under 15 & 65 and over) (Millions) |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 36.0 | 16.0 |
| 2035 | 33.0 | 18.0 |
| 2045 | 30.0 | 20.0 |
| 2055 | 26.0 | 22.0 |
| 2065 | 22.0 | 23.0 |
Source: Statistics Korea
What does Table 1 suggest will happen to the dependency ratio in South Korea between 2025 and 2055?