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A South Korean local official has faced widespread backlash after suggesting the country should import young foreign women to address its falling birth rate.
Kim Hee-soo, head of Jindo County in South Jeolla Province, made the remarks during a televised town hall last week. He suggested bringing women from Vietnam or Sri Lanka and marrying them to young men in rural areas.
South Korea currently has the lowest birth rate in the world. Experts warn the population of nearly 50 million could fall by half within 60 years if current trends continue.
Public Anger and Political Fallout
Kim’s comments sparked days of public criticism and triggered a diplomatic response from Vietnam. The controversy led to his expulsion from the ruling Democratic Party.
Kim issued a public apology one day after the town hall. He said he intended to highlight population challenges in rural areas. However, he admitted his choice of words was inappropriate. The apology failed to calm public anger.
The Democratic Party’s Supreme Council voted unanimously to expel Kim, according to a party spokesperson.
Diplomatic and Official Responses
South Jeolla Province also released a formal apology. Officials said Kim’s remarks caused pain to Vietnamese people and women.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Seoul condemned the comments in a Facebook statement. The embassy said the remarks reflected deeper issues related to attitudes toward migrant women and minority groups.
Sri Lankan authorities have not publicly commented on the issue.
Activists Plan Protest
Women’s rights and migrant advocacy groups plan to hold a protest outside the Jindo County Office. The rally is expected to take place this week.
The town hall meeting originally focused on a possible administrative merger between Jindo County and a nearby city. Many shrinking regions are considering such mergers due to population decline.
