FKF sets sail to counter low birth, aging society problems
Federation for Korean Families Establishment Preparation Committee head Hwang In-ja gives welcome remarks at the organization's launch ceremony at the Press Center in Seoul, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Jhoo Dong-chan
The Federation for Korean Families (FKF) celebrated its official establishment at the Press Center in central Seoul, Thursday.
Supported by 164 civil society groups, the organization aims to counter various social problems caused by Korea’s persistently decreasing fertility rate, accelerating population aging and increasing family dissolution, the organization said in a press release.
“Korea has indiscriminately accepted the Western society’s gender equality. It has various side effects, including dissolution of values in family and social disconnection between generations,” FKF Establishment Preparation Committee head Hwang In-ja said during her welcome remarks for the organization's launch ceremony at the Press Center on Thursday.
“It is difficult to counter such problems solely through the government’s efforts. We now need a family-centered society. The FKF aims to strengthen the traditional role of family and parents while reviving solidarity between generations.”
Korea’s total fertility rate has reached a record low of 0.75 while the country has become a super-aged society, with about 20 percent of the entire population now aged 65 or more. According to Statistics Korea, a total of 222,000 couples tied the knot in 2024, while the number of divorces totaled 91,000.
“The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family is expected to stretch its roles under the new administration,” an FKF official said in a press release.
“To keep pace with the change, the FKF will deliver value-centered voices from the country’s civil groups to counter various problems caused by the dissolution of value in family’s traditional roles.”
According to the press release, participating civil groups have organized various events, including the Family Peace Forum and K-Family Festival, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, under the notion of “Hongik Ingan.” Hongik Ingan is the founding principle of Gojoseon, Korea’s first ancient kingdom, translated as “for the benefit of all humanity.”
Former Korea University President Lee Ki-su called for the organization tp take a more active role in emphasizing the traditional role of families.
“Family is the very foundation of our society,” Lee said during his congratulatory speech.
“The FKF needs to play an important role in the mission. It needs to suggest practical options that influence the lives of our children.”