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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 decline, driven by the country's low birth rate, marks the first time enrollment will drop below that threshold. The Korea Times notes the first graders were born in 2020, and Chosun Ilbo adds that the 400,000 mark was broken in 2024, just three years ago. The sharp drop in students is raising concerns about worsening educational environments, accelerated school closures and mergers, and a potential decline in the country's potential growth rate, as reported by Chosun Ilbo. Korean media and commentators are framing this as the "low birth rate shock" becoming reality, with the Hankyung noting enrollment will enter the 200,000 range for the first time.