South Korea is grappling with a demographic crisis that poses significant long-term consequences for its population and economy. As the nation’s birth rate plummets to historic lows, the South Korean government has been exploring various ways to address this looming challenge. In a move to honor the role of motherhood and its contribution to the nation’s future, two women were recently awarded prestigious civilian service medals for giving birth to 13 children each. Their stories have gained national attention, underscoring the government’s recognition of the importance of family in the face of an alarming population decline.
The Population Decline and Fertility Crisis
South Korea’s fertility rate dropped to 0.78 in 2022, marking the lowest rate globally and well below the replacement level needed to sustain the population. A replacement level fertility rate is typically considered to be 2.1 children per woman, which ensures that a population remains stable without external factors like immigration. In contrast, South Korea’s rate is now less than half of that threshold, setting the stage for a potential demographic disaster. The country’s population, currently standing at around 51 million, is projected to halve by the end of the century if these trends continue.
This unprecedented decline has serious ramifications. Economists and demographers warn that a shrinking population leads to a smaller workforce, reduced economic growth, and mounting pressure on social welfare systems as the proportion of elderly citizens rises. The government has implemented numerous policies over the years to encourage larger families, including financial incentives, childcare support, and workplace reforms. However, these measures have had limited success, as cultural and economic factors continue to deter young people from starting families.
Honoring Motherhood: Recognizing an Uncommon Contribution
Amid this challenging backdrop, the South Korean government has sought to publicly honor individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to increasing the nation’s population. In 2023, two women were awarded civilian service medals for giving birth to 13 children each, a remarkable feat in a society where large families are increasingly rare. The Ministry of Health and Welfare recognized 60-year-old Eom Gye-suk with the prestigious Seongnyu Medal for her dedication to raising five sons and eight daughters between 1986 and 2007. This medal is one of the highest civilian honors in South Korea, awarded to those who demonstrate exceptional public service or contribution to the nation.
Eom’s journey as a mother was not without challenges. Reflecting on her experience, she acknowledged the difficulties of raising such a large family, particularly the physical and emotional toll of nearly two decades of repeated pregnancies. “After repeating pregnancy and childbirth for over 20 years, there were some difficulties,” she shared. “But thanks to my children who have grown up well, I think I have more happy moments than others.” Her story serves as an inspiration, highlighting the deep connection between family and the nation’s future.
Similarly, 59-year-old Lee Yeong-mi was awarded the Civil Merit Medal in recognition of her contribution to the country through her family. Lee, who gave birth to her first child at 23 and her last at 44, spoke during the award ceremony about the need for societal and workplace reforms to support larger families. Lee’s experiences resonate with many working mothers in South Korea, where balancing career and family life remains a formidable challenge. “We desperately need a workplace culture where people can use childcare leave without worrying about what others think, and support for self-employed people who do not have childcare leave and cannot take time off from work,” she said, calling for systemic changes to help families thrive.
The Broader Challenges: Economic and Cultural Hurdles
While these women’s stories offer hope, they also highlight the broader issues at play in South Korea’s fertility crisis. The declining birth rate is not just a matter of personal choice but is rooted in deeper societal, cultural, and economic challenges. The high cost of living, particularly in urban areas like Seoul, combined with the skyrocketing cost of education, creates a significant barrier for many couples contemplating having children. Additionally, South Korea’s demanding work culture, with long hours and limited work-life balance, leaves little room for starting or expanding families.
Culturally, South Korea has undergone a shift in attitudes toward marriage and family over the past few decades. Young people, particularly women, are increasingly prioritizing education and career advancement, often postponing marriage or choosing not to have children altogether. This trend is further exacerbated by concerns over job security, as many young adults face unstable employment conditions, making the prospect of raising children daunting.
Healthcare and Workforce Shortages: A Vicious Cycle
The fertility crisis has also led to challenges in the healthcare system, particularly in pediatrics. As fewer children are born each year, the demand for pediatricians has sharply declined, resulting in a shortage of medical professionals in this field. Pediatric clinics in Seoul have seen a 12.5% drop in numbers over the last five years, and in 2022, only 16.3% of available pediatric roles were filled, compared to nearly full staffing a decade ago. The implications of this shortage are significant: parents face longer wait times for their children to receive medical care, and healthcare providers are struggling to maintain adequate levels of service.
This shortage in pediatric care illustrates a vicious cycle: fewer children lead to reduced demand for pediatric services, which in turn discourages medical professionals from specializing in pediatrics, further aggravating the situation. If South Korea’s birth rate continues to decline, the healthcare system could face even greater strain, with fewer young professionals entering the workforce to replace the aging population of doctors and nurses.
Government Response: Policies and Public Awareness
To address these multifaceted challenges, the South Korean government has implemented a range of policies aimed at reversing the decline in birth rates. Financial incentives for families, extended parental leave, and increased access to affordable childcare are all part of the effort. Additionally, public awareness campaigns emphasize the importance of family and the need for societal change to create a more supportive environment for parents.
Despite these efforts, however, the cultural and economic barriers remain deeply entrenched. Changing societal norms around marriage, work, and family will require sustained efforts from both the government and the private sector. Workplace reforms, such as the ones highlighted by Lee Yeong-mi, are critical to ensuring that families feel supported in their decision to have more children. Without these changes, experts warn that South Korea’s demographic decline could become irreversible, with profound consequences for the nation’s future.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The stories of Eom Gye-suk and Lee Yeong-mi are powerful reminders of the value of family and the importance of motherhood, particularly in a nation facing a population crisis. Their recognition by the South Korean government serves as both a tribute to their individual contributions and a call to action for the country as a whole. As South Korea grapples with its declining birth rate, it must continue to seek solutions that address the underlying economic, cultural, and societal factors driving the crisis. Only through concerted efforts to support families and create a more balanced work-life environment can the country hope to secure its future.