Seoul is witnessing a surprising rise in births and marriages even as global fertility rates continue to fall. Once known for having the lowest fertility rate among major cities, South Korea’s capital has recorded a second straight year of growth, driven by aggressive government support like fertility subsidies, postpartum care, and housing for newlyweds. While Seoul’s rebound offers a rare bright spot, countries like Japan, China, and Singapore continue to face record-low birth rates, raising questions about whether this turnaround can be sustained.