Should South Korea Really Consider Importing Foreign Women to Boost Birth Rates?

The recent comments by South Korean official Kim Hee-soo have sparked outrage and diplomatic tensions, highlighting the country's ongoing struggles with declining birth rates. Kim suggested "importing young women" from countries like Vietnam and Sri Lanka to marry off to young men in rural areas, a statement that has led to his expulsion from the ruling Democratic Party and a formal protest from Vietnam. This incident underscores broader societal issues concerning gender and immigration in South Korea.

Last updated: 20 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Kim Hee-soo, the head of Jindo County, has faced severe backlash for his remarks suggesting the country should "import young women" to tackle South Korea's declining birth rates. His comments come at a time when South Korea has one of the lowest birth rates globally, with projections suggesting that the population could halve to around 25 million within 60 years if current trends continue. Following public outrage and a diplomatic protest from Vietnam, Kim was expelled from the Democratic Party and has been the subject of intense media scrutiny.

Key takeaways

Kim Hee-soo's comments sparked widespread outrage and led to his expulsion from the Democratic Party.
The remarks have prompted a formal protest from Vietnam, highlighting sensitivities around migrant women's treatment.
South Korea’s declining birth rate is a critical issue, with significant implications for the country's future demographics.

Timeline: how we got here

The controversy surrounding Kim Hee-soo's remarks unfolded rapidly. Here’s a brief timeline of key events:

12 October 2023: Kim Hee-soo made the controversial statement during a town hall meeting discussing population issues in rural areas.
13 October 2023: Public outrage began to grow, leading to calls for Kim's resignation.
14 October 2023: The Vietnamese Embassy formally protested Kim’s comments, stating they reflect negative attitudes towards migrant women.
16 October 2023: Kim attempted to apologise, claiming his language was inappropriate, but the backlash continued.
17 October 2023: The Democratic Party voted unanimously to expel Kim, solidifying the party’s stance against his comments.
20 October 2023: Activists planned a rally in front of Jindo County Office to protest Kim’s remarks.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

In the wake of Kim's expulsion from the Democratic Party, there have been increased discussions on how to approach South Korea's demographic crisis sensitively and effectively. Activists are mobilising, and there are calls for a broader conversation about the treatment of migrant women and the values underpinning such statements.

What was already established

South Korea has been facing a demographic crisis for several years, with a birth rate that consistently ranks among the lowest in the world. The government has been trying various measures to encourage higher birth rates, including financial incentives for families, but these efforts have yet to yield significant results. Kim's comments, however, have exposed deeper societal issues regarding gender roles and the perception of migrant communities.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While this incident is primarily relevant to South Korea, it raises questions about immigration and women's rights that are also pertinent in the UK. The treatment of migrant women and the rhetoric surrounding them can influence public opinion and policies regarding immigration in the UK.

Businesses and jobs

For businesses, the implications of such statements can affect international relations, particularly in trade and labour. The backlash against Kim may signal a need for companies in the UK to be more cautious about their public statements regarding immigration and diversity.

Policy and regulation

The expulsion of Kim Hee-soo may prompt the South Korean government to reassess its approach to immigration and family support policies. In the UK, similar discussions about demographic challenges and immigration policies could arise, as the government grapples with how to support both families and migrant communities.

Numbers that matter

0.78: South Korea's birth rate per woman in 2022, one of the lowest globally.
50 million: Current population of South Korea, projected to drop to 25 million by 2080 if trends continue.
2.1: The replacement level needed to maintain a stable population.
60%: Percentage of South Koreans who expressed concern about the declining birth rate in recent surveys.
1 in 3: Proportion of South Korean women who are childless by their late 30s, a trend contributing to the low birth rate.

Definitions and jargon buster

Birth rate: The number of live births per 1,000 people in a given year.
Demographic crisis: A situation where a country's population is declining due to low birth rates, leading to potential future challenges.
Migrant women: Women who move from their home country to another country, often for work, education, or family reunification.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, the focus will likely be on public reactions to Kim's expulsion and the upcoming rally by women's rights activists. Observers will be watching for any further statements from the South Korean government regarding migration and family policies.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Over the next few months, it will be crucial to see if this incident sparks a broader conversation about gender roles and immigration in South Korea. The government may introduce new measures to address the birth rate crisis that are more inclusive and considerate of migrant communities.

Signals to watch

Changes in public policy regarding immigration and family support.
Responses from women's rights and migrant rights organisations.
Further public opinion polls on attitudes towards immigration and demographic challenges.

Practical guidance

Do

Engage in discussions about the treatment of migrant communities in your area.
Support local initiatives aimed at empowering women and migrant rights.
Stay informed about demographic trends and policies in your country.

Don’t

Make generalisations about migrant communities based on isolated incidents.
Ignore the implications of declining birth rates on society.
Dismiss calls for better treatment of migrant women and families.

Checklist

Review your understanding of demographic issues in your region.
Consider how immigration policies affect your community.
Stay updated on news regarding women’s rights and migration.
Participate in local discussions or forums about demographic challenges.
Support organisations that advocate for migrant rights.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The situation remains fluid, with potential for further developments in diplomatic relations between South Korea and Vietnam. The broader implications for immigration policy in South Korea and other countries remain uncertain, and public opinion could shift in response to ongoing discussions about gender and migration. The comments made by Kim Hee-soo may reflect underlying societal attitudes that will take time to address comprehensively.

Bottom line

The controversy surrounding Kim Hee-soo's remarks highlights the urgent need for South Korea to address its declining birth rates in a manner that respects the dignity of all individuals. As the UK grapples with similar issues of immigration and demographic changes, there is much to learn from the public reaction to Kim's comments and the ensuing political fallout.

FAQs

What did Kim Hee-soo suggest regarding women from Vietnam and Sri Lanka?

Kim Hee-soo suggested that South Korea should "import young women" from countries like Vietnam and Sri Lanka to marry young men in rural areas, which has sparked significant outrage.

What was the reaction from the Vietnamese government?

The Vietnamese government formally protested Kim's comments, stating they reflect negative attitudes towards migrant women and called for respect and dignity towards all individuals.

What is South Korea's current birth rate issue?

South Korea has one of the lowest birth rates in the world, with a rate of approximately 0.78 children per woman, raising concerns about population decline and its future implications.