11/23 Low Birthrate

DIALOG>> Korea has one of the lowest birthrates in the world.

Korea has one of the lowest birthrates in the world.

People are having less and less babies because of the cost of raising kids.

Korea may face an economic crisis if the birthrate stays so low.

The government has to do more to boost the birthrate.
* boost: 증폭시키다, 북돋우다.
ex> He boosted his younger brother's confidence with compliments.


RESPONSE>> Talk about the low birthrate of Korea.

Korea's birthrate is extremely low.
* birthrate: 출산율

It's one of the lowest in the world.
ex> This restaurant got one of the lowest ratings when it comes to service.

As of 2010, South Korean women gave birth to 1.22 babies on average.
* as of: ~시점을 기준으로 하여
* give birth to: ~을 낳다.
ex> My dog gave birth to five adorable puppies.

This is far lower than 1.74 the average birthrate of industrialized OECD nations.

The good news is that 1.22 is a rise from the 1.15 in 2009.

The government has been doing its best to encourage more families to have babies.
ex> My teacher is always encouraging us to try our best.

It has offered various incentives for families having multiple kids.
ex> The government is providing incentives for companies that go green.

If left unchecked, Korea's population is likely to peak around 2018 and then start to drop.
ex> Stock prices peaked at their highest point in history.


@ We're going to lose out on all the good stuff.  좋은 물건은 다 나가 버릴 거라고.
= miss out on

1. My cat gave birth to many kittens.
2. Is there any incentives for the person who finishes first?
3. The girl group's popularity reached its peak in 2008.
4. The company will provide various bonuses to boost the morale of employees.