South Korean official's remarks on birth rate spark controversy

South Korea's newly appointed deputy chair of the Low Birth Rate and Aging Society Committee, Kim Jin-oh, has drawn criticism for his remarks, which shifted focus from concrete government policies to the voluntary participation of the private sector and local communities. During his first press conference since the committee's planned reorganization into the Population Strategy Committee, Kim's statements suggested a departure from robust state intervention.

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How long can we solve everything with state expenses? Even when tax revenue is sufficient, childcare and welfare costs can inevitably fall short. Companies like Booyoung Group should take the lead, and wealthy individuals should step forward.

Kim suggested that businesses and affluent individuals should take the lead in providing birth incentives, questioning the sustainability of government funding for childcare. He also proposed that landlords should voluntarily reduce rent for families with children, framing it as a community effort rather than a government-backed housing policy. These comments were interpreted as downplaying the government's role in addressing the nation's critical low birth rate.

The committee, slated for a full launch as the Population Strategy Committee in September under the revised Population Strategy Basic Law, outlined plans for a pre-budget consultation system and designated population policy liaisons within ministries. However, no specific new policies or targets were presented. The deputy chair himself cautioned against high expectations for the upcoming national population strategy plan, stating, 'Don't have high expectations. If expectations are high, disappointment will be great.'

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If you have children and live in a rented apartment, could the landlord not reduce the rent out of a sense of community, rather than the state or local government? When did it become that everyone demands from the government or local government? Tax revenue increases, but how long will this last? Community is maintained through someone's dedication and sacrifice.

Furthermore, when asked about the inclusion of social security system reforms in the basic plan, Kim indicated it would be difficult due to the sensitivity of the issue. This suggests that the comprehensive population strategy, intended to redesign economic and social systems, might avoid addressing fundamental aspects directly impacting citizens' lives, potentially limiting its scope and effectiveness.

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Don't have high expectations. If expectations are high, disappointment will be great.