Photo Credit : 가족, 기증 이재현, 공유마당, CC BY Marriage has long been regarded as the natural result of love, but its meaning is evolving in Korea. In response to declining marriage and childbirth rates, the government has recently expanded financial support, introducing programs such as the Youth Marriage Support Package, Marriage Support Fund, and Childbirth Support Fund. These initiatives aim to mitigate the financial burden on young people considering marriage and family life. Yet debates remain over whether such policies truly reflect changing attitudes toward marriage and family. While these measures may assist those who already plan to marry and have children, they do little to influence young people who have little interest in marriage or parenthood itself. According to a 2022 report by the Korea National Statistical Office titled Changes in Youth’s Consciousness through the Social Survey, eight out of ten young people agreed with unmarried cohabitation. A majority also responded that having children does not need to be confined to marriage, while approval of childbirth outside marriage has risen. Furthermore, divorce support when there is a reason has increased, while the belief that remarriage is necessary has declined. These trends differ remarkably from traditional views and suggest that many young people no longer see marriage primarily as a social institution or duty. Instead, they regard it as a personal choice tied to individual happiness. Indeed, the data reveal that young people who view marriage and childbirth as "essential" are by no means the majority. This raises questions about whether Korea’s marriage and childbirth policies—largely focused on economic incentives—truly correspond to younger generations’ values. As young people’s perspectives on love and relationships continue to change, the government may need to reconsider the notion of marriage and family from the very foundation of its policy-making.