Lee Young-hoon, right, senior pastor of Yoido Full Gospel Church, poses with Lee Ki-il, left, first vice health minister; Joo Hyung-hwan, second from left, vice chairman of the presidential committee; Hwang Woo-yea, third from left, interim leader of the ruling People Power Party; Rep. Park Chan-dae, third from right, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea; and other participants during a conference on the country's low birthrate at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap

Government officials and politicians from rival parties, as well as religious leaders, gathered Tuesday to put their heads together to tackle a demographic crisis caused by the country's ultra-low birthrate.

During a conference in Seoul, the participants shared the view that the matter is a grave challenge that must be dealt with above all other concerns for the future of the country and younger generations.

The conference was hosted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Presidential Committee on Ageing Society and Population Policy, the United Christian Churches of Korea and the Korean Peninsula Population Institute for Future.

"All of us should become one (team) to address the low birthrate problem, as the country's future depends on that," said Lee Young-hoon, senior pastor of Yoido Full Gospel Church, the largest Protestant house of worship in Korea, which organized the conference.

"I hope Buddhist leaders, who could not participate in today's conference due to their tight schedules, will be able to join next time to continue this discussion."

Korea's total fertility rate — the average number of expected births from a woman in her lifetime — fell to a fresh record quarterly low of 0.65 in the fourth quarter of 2023, according to data from Statistics Korea, deepening demographic woes.

Joo Hyung-hwan, vice chairman of the presidential committee, gives a keynote address during a conference on the country's low birthrate at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap

Joo Hyung-hwan, vice chairman of the presidential committee, who gave a keynote address during the conference, said the administration has been working to devise various policies to reduce the burden of childbirth and child care.

"The administration is also working to change people's perception and implant the idea that a child brings them happiness," Joo said.

Hwang Woo-yea, interim leader of the ruling People Power Party, said population decline caused by the low birthrate could lead to the extinction of the state, calling for special countermeasures.

"In addition to efforts made by the central and local governments, all of those from various sectors should join forces to do what they can do," Hwang said. "Churches, cathedrals and temples should be at the center of this campaign, and the media should back it."

He said it is "good news" that the number of babies born in the country increased by 2.8 percent in April from a year earlier, marking the first year-on-year growth in 19 months.

"We cautiously anticipate that various policy efforts have begun to create some effect. All of us should put our heads together to help this precious upward trend continue," he said.

Hwang Woo-yea, left, interim leader of the ruling People Power Party, talks with Rep. Park Chan-dae, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, during a conference on the country's low birthrate at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap

Democratic Party of Korea floor leader Rep. Park Chan-dae also said the extinction of the state is not a distant possibility anymore, raising the necessity for rival political parties to collaborate in overcoming the crisis.

He vowed to cooperate in relevant discussions to implement the government's plan to create the tentatively-named Ministry of Population Strategy Planning to be led by a deputy prime minister. Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min announced the plan on Monday.

"Creating comprehensive policy packages encompassing marriages, childbirths and childcare will also be important," Park said.

First Vice Health Minister Lee Ki-il, for his part, said that the new ministry will serve as a control tower for demographic issues.

"The government is doing its best to fight the crisis, but participation and efforts from everyone will also be necessary," he said. "I hope today's event will become an opportunity for the government and religious circles to share the vision."