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Korea is set to see the number of children entering elementary school fall below 300,000 for the first time next year, as the impact of the country's low birth rate intensifies. Yonhap reports that the first graders, born in 2020, will mark the first-ever drop below the 300,000 threshold, with the Chosun Ilbo noting that the 400,000 mark was already breached in 2024, just three years ago. The Korea Times and KBS World also highlight the decline, with the latter emphasizing the growing impact of the declining birthrate. The Chosun Ilbo adds that the rapid decrease in student numbers is raising concerns about worsening educational environments, accelerated school closures and mergers, and a potential fall in the country's potential growth rate. Korean media frame this as the 'low birth rate shock' becoming a reality, with the Hankyung noting that enrollment will enter the 200,000 range for the first time.