Ask what Korea is talking about.

South Korea is expected to see the number of children entering elementary school fall below 300,000 for the first time next year, according to data reported on Nov. 8. Yonhap reports that the number of first graders, born in 2020, will drop below the 300,000 mark for the first time ever, with the Korea Times noting the decline is driven by the country's low birth rate. The Chosun Ilbo adds that this comes three years after the 400,000 threshold was breached in 2024, and warns that the rapid decline in student numbers could worsen educational environments, accelerate school mergers, and lower the nation's potential growth rate. Korean media outlets are framing this as the 'low birth rate shock' becoming a reality, with the Hankyung noting that next year's enrollment will fall into the 200,000 range for the first time.