Lower marriage age, boost childcare to combat South Korea's demographic crisis

The article contends that South Korea's societal structure, particularly its prolonged emphasis on education and the subsequent delay in marriage, is a significant driver of the nation's critically low birthrate. The author posits that the current system forces young people to suppress their natural desires for procreation during their formative years, leading to a cascade of social issues, including declining birth rates and increased crime.

The author proposes a radical solution: lowering the marriageable age. Citing historical precedents and personal anecdotes, the piece argues that individuals were historically capable of marriage and procreation at younger ages, typically around 16. The current legal marriage age of 18 is deemed too late, especially as puberty is occurring earlier due to dietary changes. The piece suggests that encouraging earlier marriage and childbirth, rather than penalizing it, would be a more effective approach to reversing the demographic decline. The average marriage age in South Korea, cited as 32-34 for men and 32 for women, is presented as a world record and a symptom of this societal issue.

Furthermore, the article advocates for a significant expansion of government-funded childcare services. It suggests that the state should assume a greater role in raising children, similar to a traditional extended family system, by providing accessible and free daycare facilities at universities, high schools, and even middle schools. This would allow young parents, particularly those who conceive in their teens, to pursue education or careers while ensuring their children are cared for. The author believes that such comprehensive state-sponsored childcare would alleviate the burden on young families and encourage more births.

Beyond addressing the birthrate, the article critiques the current educational system's focus on rote learning and academic competition. It argues that this system stifles individual talents and passions, leading young people to spend their crucial years preparing for exams rather than developing their innate abilities. The author champions a shift towards encouraging young individuals to pursue work aligned with their natural aptitudes from an early age. This, it is suggested, would not only lead to a more productive society but also foster personal fulfillment and happiness, ultimately contributing to a stronger nation. The piece concludes by expressing a hope that these ideas, though perhaps ahead of their time, will be realized in the future for the benefit of society.