Health ministry previews decree to shift national population strategy

The health ministry said Friday it has launched a legislative preview for a full revision of the enforcement decree that will underpin the new Population Strategy Basic Act. The move marks a formal shift from a narrow focus on low birthrates and aging to a comprehensive strategy addressing broader demographic structural changes, including uneven population distribution and international migration.

The revision is necessary to specify details delegated by the parent law and ensure smooth implementation when the Population Strategy Basic Act takes effect on Sept. 10, 2026.

"This enforcement decree revision aims to concretize matters delegated by the act and those necessary for its implementation, such as the scope of prior consultation targets for population-related budgets and the range of ministries participating in the Population Strategy Committee," the ministry said.

To strengthen coordination, the composition of the Population Strategy Committee will grow from nine to 14 ex-officio ministries, adding the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Justice. The ministry also plans to install four specialized sub-committees focused on social strategy, economic strategy, adjustment and evaluation, and migrants. Additionally, the decree defines the qualifications and duties of population policy officers within central agencies and local governments.

A rigorous annual evaluation cycle will be established to monitor progress. The committee must formulate an evaluation plan and conduct assessments by Dec. 31 each year, immediately reporting results to relevant agency heads and local governors.

Public comments on the draft decree will be accepted until Aug. 24, 2026.