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Korea's elementary school enrollment is expected to drop below 300,000 for the first time next year, as the low birth rate takes its toll. Yonhap reports that the number of first graders, born in 2020, will fall below the 300,000 mark for the first time, three years after the 400,000 threshold was breached in 2024. The Chosun Ilbo notes that the rapid decline in student numbers is raising concerns about worsening educational environments, accelerated school closures and mergers, and a lower potential growth rate for the national economy. The Korea Times and KBS World also carried the same projection, highlighting the growing impact of the country's declining birthrate.