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Korea is bracing for a historic drop in elementary school enrollment, with the number of first graders expected to fall below 300,000 for the first time next year, according to data reported on Nov. 8. Yonhap reports that the decline, driven by the country's low birth rate, marks the first time the figure will dip under 300,000, following the 400,000 threshold being breached in 2024. The Chosun Ilbo notes that the rapid student decline is raising concerns about worsening educational environments, accelerated school mergers and closures, and a potential drag on the nation's potential growth rate. The Korea Times and KBS World also highlighted the impact of the declining birthrate on the upcoming cohort of first graders, born in 2020.