This photo was taken on my way to my parents’ house in the neighborhood. (Photo by Milly)    South Korea is one of the most urban-centralized countries in the world, with an overwhelming concentration of population and resources in the Seoul metropolitan area. According to national data, the country’s rural population has been steadily shrinking, and the majority of those who remain are older adults. In many rural communities, it has become difficult to even find people outdoors — most residents are elderly, and young people have long since left.   This is not simply a matter of decreasing headcount. The decline and aging of rural populations trigger structural risks: weakening local economies, collapsing community networks, and the deterioration of essential services. Regional extinction is no longer a future concern — it is already unfolding in South Korea, and urgent responses are required.   Why Traditional Approaches Are No Longer Enough   ...