Incheon's child-rearing support plan sparks controversy

gettyimagesbank

Incheon’s child-rearing support plan to provide a total of 100 million won ($76,746) to all children born in the port city until they turn 18 is igniting controversy and mixed reactions. The plan is poised to start next year.

According to Incheon Metropolitan City, it has decided to add 28 million won from its own budget to the existing 72 million won from the central and local governments. To this end, the city has allocated 40.4 billion won for the policy.

Previously, financial assistance comprised 1 million won for pregnancy and related medical expenses, 2 million won upon childbirth, 18 million won for parental benefits, 9.6 million won per month for child benefits, 25.4 million won for child care and meals and 16.5 million won for elementary, middle and high school education.

Through the expanded plan, the city intends to allocate an additional 500,000 won for pregnant women's transportation, 100,000 won per month for seven years starting from a child's first birthday, and a total of 19.8 million won, equating to 150,000 won per month from ages 8 to 18.

Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, center, announces the city government's new plan to provide 100 million won in total to children who are born in Incheon from next year, at Incheon City Hall, Dec. 18. Yonhap

Following the city government's announcement, there were positive responses to the plan, with some expressing optimism that it would contribute to a boost in the birthrate.

“These days, it costs a lot of money to raise a child, so I think Incheon’s policy to support more expenses definitely benefits people,” said an office worker surnamed Kim who works in Incheon.

While the announcement garnered positive reactions from some like Kim, concerns also have been raised, with some questioning its efficacy and worrying about a possible strain on the city's budget.

“I doubt this policy can prompt a sudden change in the decisions of young couples who are not inclined to have children,” said Lee Jae-hye, a 30-year-old office worker in Incheon.

“Instead of ensuring future benefits through subsidies, my concern lies in the potential reduction of citizens' tax burdens or other local currency subsidies.”

Kang Young-sook, a teacher of nursing who is in her 50s, emphasized that economic support alone cannot address the complex challenges of child-rearing.

“In my opinion, the crucial element is ensuring parents have the time to spend with their children,” she said.

She sees that rather than merely increasing financial support, it appears more effective to enable parents of young children to adjust their work schedules with greater flexibility.

Drawing from examples observed in the facility where she works, Kang highlighted the cases of children arriving early in the morning, which she attributes to the prevalence of dual-income households.

“Some children arrive as early as 7:30 a.m. and return home around 7 p.m.,” Kang said, underscoring the potential for emotional anxiety in these children.

Suh Young-sook, an honorary professor specializing in Child Welfare and Studies at Sookmyung Women's University, suggested that targeted support might be more effective than just increasing the total support expenses.

She proposed focusing intensively on the critical early years with economic support such as providing subsidies, and investing in robust parenting support and education systems when parents return to work.

“Effectively encouraging people to have children requires the creation of differentiated policies that parents perceive as genuinely helpful in raising children,” Suh said.