Couple in Uiryeong County has 9th baby

South Gyeongsang Provincial Council Chairman Kim Ha-yong, fifth from left, poses with Lee Gye-jeong, fourth from left, and Park Seong-young, third from right, during his visit to the couple's house in Uiryeong County in the province, July 8, to congratulate them on the recent birth of their ninth baby. Courtesy of South Gyeongsang Provincial Council

By Jun Ji-hye

A woman in Uiryeong County, South Gyeongsang Province, recently gave birth to her ninth baby, drawing attention from many people at a time when the low birthrate has become one of the biggest problems facing Korean society.

According to Uiryeong County, which has a population of around 26,000, Lee Gye-jeong, 46, gave a birth to a boy on June 15.

Beginning with their first daughter who was born in 2004, Lee and her husband, Park Seong-young, 48, have so far had five daughters and four sons including the latest one.

The couple originally worked and lived in Seoul, but returned to their hometown in 2007 when Lee was pregnant with their third child. They run a daycare center in the small town now.

While the couple say the nine children have made them happy, they have also faced difficulties raising so many children in the small town which lacks many crucial facilities such as hospitals.

“If all my children grow up healthy, I couldn't ask for more,” Park said. “My children are the biggest gift in my life.”

South Gyeongsang Provincial Council Chairman Kim Ha-yong and other council members visited the family's home, July 8, to encourage the couple and congratulate them on their ninth baby.

“The birthrate in the province has declined consistently for the past six years. The province has implemented various policies to promote childbirth, but to no avail,” Kim said. “The news about this family will give hope to many residents.”