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Addressing the Demographic Decline in South Korea

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Listed:
  • Selahattin Imrohoroglu
  • Daniel Carroll
  • Sewon Hur
  • Braden Strackman

Abstract

In this paper, we use an overlapping generations-standard incomplete markets model to quantitatively investigate the long-run implications of Koreas demographic changes and policy reforms. Importantly, our quantitative model endogenizes the retirement decision and matches the elasticity of retirement to wealth. Optimal policy likely combines reforms such as increasing the retirement age, higher taxes, or changes to retirement benefits. We use the model calibrated to Koreas economy and demography as a quantitative laboratory to investigate two policy scenarios: increasing taxes or decreasing benefits. While decreasing benefits leads to great long run activity, it comes at the cost of lower average welfare, particularly for retirees.

Suggested Citation

  • Selahattin Imrohoroglu & Daniel Carroll & Sewon Hur & Braden Strackman, 2025. "Addressing the Demographic Decline in South Korea," CIGS Working Paper Series 25-017E, The Canon Institute for Global Studies.
    • Handle: RePEc:cnn:wpaper:25-017e
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Makarski, Krzysztof & Tyrowicz, Joanna & Komada, Oliwia, 2024. "Capital income taxation and reforming social security in an OLG economy," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 165(C).
    2. Braun, R. Anton & Joines, Douglas H., 2015. "The implications of a graying Japan for government policy," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 57(C), pages 1-23.
    3. Imrohoroglu, Ayse & Imrohoroglu, Selahattin & Joines, Douglas H, 1995. "A Life Cycle Analysis of Social Security," Economic Theory, Springer;Society for the Advancement of Economic Theory (SAET), vol. 6(1), pages 83-114, June.
    4. Makarski, Krzysztof & Tyrowicz, Joanna & Komada, Oliwia, 2024. "Capital income taxation and reforming social security in an OLG economy," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 165(C).
    5. Selahattin Imrohoroglu & Sagiri Kitao, 2012. "Social Security Reforms: Benefit Claiming, Labor Force Participation, and Long-Run Sustainability," American Economic Journal: Macroeconomics, American Economic Association, vol. 4(3), pages 96-127, July.
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