South Korean Official Expelled After Suggesting Importing Young Women to Boost Birth Rate

A South Korean local official has been expelled from his ruling party following a controversial remark suggesting that the country should “import young women” from countries like Vietnam or Sri Lanka to counter declining birth rates.

Kim Hee-soo, who serves as head of Jindo County in South Jeolla Province, made the comments during a town hall meeting last week.

The meeting, intended to discuss a proposed merger between Jindo County and a neighboring city, quickly turned into a national controversy after the session was televised.

“The idea was to encourage marriage for young men in rural areas,” Kim said, attempting to justify his statements.

“But I recognize that the language I used was inappropriate,” Kim added.

Diplomatic Fallout and Public Outrage

The comment by Kim evoked an instant backlash, both from home and abroad.

The Vietnamese embassy in Seoul delivered a powerful condemnation.

In social media posts, the embassy commented that Kim’s statements represented “worrisome values and attitudes towards migrant women and minority groups.”

Although Sri Lanka has yet to comment publicly on the matter, the fact that an important figure from Vietnam has already started speaking about it indicates that the situation is delicate.

Locally, feelings of anger across various social media platforms were expressed by activists who felt Kim’s words were offensive and dehumanizing.

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“This is not just an issue of free expression. It’s about how women are treated and valued in society,” said a women’s rights advocate in Seoul.

South Jeolla Province formally apologized, acknowledging that Kim’s comments “caused deep pain to Vietnamese people and to women.”

Kim himself attempted a personal apology the following day, but it failed to quell public outrage.

Political Consequences

The ruling Democratic Party took quick action. In its move, the Supreme Council of the party voted unanimously to expel Kim, a party spokesperson confirmed on Monday.

The move is an indication of the political risks involved in discriminatory comments that are deemed offensive in a country faced with challenges concerning demographics.

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Meanwhile, there are plans to stage a protest rally in front of the Jindo County Office, which was organized by women’s rights groups and migrant rights groups.

South Korea, which is struggling with one of the lowest birth rates in the world, continues its efforts for policy interventions.

However, apart from being socially unacceptable, such policies, which follow Kim’s plan, may harm South Korea’s international and social relations.

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A baby Carried on a Baby Stroller. PHOTO/ BBC