Seoul: South Korea’s health and welfare ministry has awarded civilian service medals to two women for giving birth to 13 children each, amid country’s ongoing struggle with sharply declining birth rate.

Eom Gye-suk, 60, received Seongnyu Medal, fifth grade of Order of Civil Merit, which recognises outstanding contributions in various fields such as politics, economics and education. Meanwhile, 59-year-old Lee Yeong-mi was honoured with Civil Merit Medal for her achievements and public service dedication.

Eom had five sons and eight daughters between 1986 and 2007. Reflecting on her journey, she said, “After repeating pregnancy and childbirth for over 20 years, there were some difficulties, but thanks to my children who have grown up well, I think I have more happy moments than others.” Seoul on October 10.

Lee, who had her first child at 23 and her last at 44, noted, “Compared with the 1980s and 2000s when I gave birth and raised my children, there are many policies to support childbirth and childrearing. But when I hear from people around me, there are still many shortcomings.” She emphasised need for workplace culture that encourages use of childcare leave without stigma and additional support for self-employed individuals who lack access to such benefits.

In May, President Yoon Suk-yeol declared declining birth rate “National emergency” and announced plans to establish ministry dedicated to addressing this crisis. South Korea is grappling with record low fertility rate of 0.78 in 2022, lowest globally and significantly below replacement level. Demographic crisis is attributed to several factors, including frustrations over rising cost of living, declining quality of life and patriarchal society. Many women cite emotional and physical burdens of raising children, lost career opportunities and financial challenges as deterrents to childbearing.

To combat issue, South Korean government offers financial assistance ranging from 35 million won  (£20,566) to 50 million won ($38,373) for families from birth of child until they turn seven. Recently, couple received 170 million won ($125,061) in childbirth grants after welcoming quintuplets.

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 15 2024

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