The Dynamics and Controversies of Low Fertility Policies in East Asia: Focusing on Korea, China, and Japan

Focusing on demographic changes and policy challenges, this study compares low fertility policies in Korea, Japan, and China. Despite childbirth incentives, parental leave, free childcare, and housing support, Korea’s fertility rate remains the lowest in the OECD due to structural barriers such as a rigid labor market, high education and housing costs, and patriarchal norms. Although Japan maintains a rate around 1.2, aging, labor shortages, long working hours, and gender inequality within corporate culture limit progress. Despite the “three-child policy,” China’s fertility continues to decline as urbanization, economic insecurity, and high childrearing costs discourage births. Across all three countries, financial incentives alone have proven insufficient; therefore, comprehensive structural reforms-including labor market change, gender equality, and reduced housing and education burdensare essential for sustainable fertility improvement.