South Korea's elderly population surpasses 21% as society rapidly ages

South Korea has entered a deeper phase of demographic aging, with official statistics revealing that more than one in every five citizens is now 65 years or older. Data released by the Interior Ministry on Sunday shows the country's elderly population has reached a significant milestone, intensifying concerns about the social and economic implications of a rapidly aging society.

Demographic Milestone Reached

According to the 2025 population statistics, approximately 10.84 million people in South Korea are aged 65 or above, representing 21.21% of the total population of roughly 51.11 million. This surpasses the 20% threshold defined by the United Nations as a "super-aged society," a classification South Korea first entered in 2024. The data reveals a gender disparity, with 23.39% of women in this age group compared to 19% of men. For the first time, eleven provinces and cities, including the capital Seoul, have seen their elderly populations exceed the 20% mark.

Rise of Single-Person Households

The demographic report also highlights a parallel trend: the steady growth of single-person households. These households increased by about 1.5% from the previous year to reach 10.27 million, now constituting approximately 42% of all households in the country. A substantial portion of these solo households consists of elderly individuals, with 21.6% (2.21 million) occupied by people aged 70 and above, and another 18.9% by those in their 60s. This underscores the social dimension of aging, with more seniors living independently.

Regional Variations and Future Implications

The aging trend shows geographical variation, with seniors making up 18.82% of the population in the greater capital area, compared to 23.69% in other regions. This suggests an outflow of younger people from rural areas, exacerbating aging in provincial communities. As Türkiye also navigates its own demographic evolution, South Korea's experience offers insights into the profound challenges super-aged societies face, including pressures on pension systems, healthcare infrastructure, labor markets, and social welfare programs, necessitating comprehensive long-term policy planning.