ed Ministry for boosting birthrate

The National Assembly’s special committee on responding to the low birthrate and the aging society had its first meeting last week. It is high time that the 20th National Assembly has launched a special committee to discuss responses to some of the country’s most serious problems.

The committee is chaired by Rep. Na Kyung-won of the ruling Saenuri Party. As a working mother, she will hopefully display effective leadership in making policy to create a society that respects working moms and takes better care of the elderly.

During a committee meeting on July 21, ministers in the areas of health, family affairs and education were invited to a discussion on countering Korea’s low birthrate, which stands at 1.21 per woman. The figure is already one of the lowest in the world and is expected to fall even further due to economic instability brought on by the unemployment crisis that discourages young people from getting married and raising a family.

During the discussion, lawmakers of the committee and Health and Welfare Minister Chung Chin-youb agreed that it is necessary for Korea to establish an administrative control center for dealing with the low birthrate and the aging society. Minister Chung asked for the Assembly’s support for a ministry concerning these issues that can consistently implement necessary policies beyond one administration.

The need for such a ministry is particularly highlighted when considering the case of Japan, which has been able to turn around its falling birthrate and has even set a bold goal of increasing its birth rate to 1.8 per woman from the current 1.46, which is the highest for the country in 21 years. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has placed boosting the birthrate at the core of his agenda and created a new cabinet minister post for boosting the birthrate.

For President Park Geun-hye, who is in the twilight of her career, it may be too late to consider a similar addition to her administration. But the Assembly can and must start serious discussions about the establishment of a new ministry in the future. As head of the special committee, Rep. Na should vigorously meet with ministers and relevant experts and lay the foundation for a ministry in charge of tackling low birthrate and population issues.