Korea’s population exploded between the mid-1950s and early 1960s, steadily growing at an annual rate of 3% since 1955. Believing that such a rapidly increasing population could undermine economic growth, the Korean government promoted birth control and family planning for all Koreans, especially those living in the rural areas and still guided by Confucian principles. The government's forceful family planning policy produced results, cutting the total fertility rate down to almost 4.0 by 1970 and lowering the birthrate steadily for many years thereafter. However, the baby boom generation has undeniably changed Korea's demographic landscape, social structure, and economic status.