The Korea Development Institute proposed an EU-style model to boost the record low birthrate in Korea. It suggested state endorsement of children born out of wedlock. The suggestion, still unfamiliar to many Koreans, is worth reviewing as one option to raise the birth rate.
Asian countries rank low in terms of birthrate worldwide. This is attributable to the influence of Confucianism, rapid economic development and social change.
Korea ranks 217th out of the 222 countries surveyed. Japan was 218th, Taiwan 219th, Singapore 220th, Hong Kong 221st and Macau last.
In eight European Union countries, including France, half of the babies were born out of wedlock, including couples living together without being married and partnerships. Even babies born outside of marriage receive a government subsidy. They are near the OECD average of 1.7 births per couple and far higher than Korea's 1.2.
The KDI contends Korea can raise its birthrate only when state funding is non-discriminatory toward both children born in and out of wedlock.
A low-birth rate puts pressure on the government to provide adequate welfare programs for senior citizens. It is also a burden on families in supporting the elderly.
Fewer children and a smaller working-age population are also a strain on the growing aging society.
Even married couples are reluctant to have babies due to the high cost of rearing them. The government should first expand welfare programs for children born from married couples before considering subsidizing babies of unmarried couples.
There are non-monetary tools for hiking the birth rate. Companies must make pregnant employees feel comfortable so that they can dedicate their time to both work and child-rearing. Pregnant women should have priority in subway and bus seating. Even public facilities can give discounts to pregnant women.