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South Korea recorded 28,859 deaths, 20,007 births in May: Official 

Data for the number of deaths was about 12.8 per cent from the same month of 2021, marking the highest May figure since the data began to be compiled.

• July 27, 2022
A photo of South Koreans used to illustrate the story
A photo of South Koreans used to illustrate the story

South Korea logged the highest deaths amid a rapid spread of the COVID-19 sub-variant, statistical office data showed on Wednesday.

The data showed the number of deaths was 28,859 in May, about 12.8 per cent from the same month of 2021.

However, this marked the highest May figure since data began to be compiled.

The deaths recorded were attributable to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, recently driven by a sub-variant.

In addition, the number of newborn babies was 20,007 in May, down by 8.8 per cent from a year earlier.

Childbirth has been declining since December 2015 amid the growing trend of delayed marriage and the lower number of women of childbearing age.

The number of marriages gained 5.5 per cent over the year to 17,041 in May, while the number of divorces retreated 0.9 per cent to 8,372.

(Xinhua/NAN) 

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