By Kim Joon-sik
It was so much worthwhile again this year for me to judge the applicants for the 4th Korea Multicultural Youth Awards organized by The Korea Times, because many of the contenders were growing healthily and wonderfully.
According to statistics on foreign residents released by the Ministry of the Interior in 2015, the number of children with multicultural backgrounds stands at 207,693 as of June. This figure represents 2 percent of 9.5 million children aged 18 or below in Korea. The growth rate in the number of multiracial children is higher than that of non-multiracial ones.
In Korea now, the number of children a woman has during her lifetime is 1.21, and the nation's population is expected to be halved around 2100.
According to a Statistics Korea's population forecast, the economically active population aged between 15 and 64 will begin to decrease next year. Also, that of the major workforce aged 25-49 has already been on the decline since 2005.
The population is, in other words, a national and economic power. Now it's time for the nation to address multicultural policy in terms of immigration rather than welfare.
Also, we should make the policy as a mid- and long-term one for national development from the aspects of politics, society, the economy, culture and diplomacy.
On that score, these multiracial children who are growing healthily in Korea are not only our proud Korean people but also our crucial human resources for the future of the country, particularly the diplomatic aspects.
They are growing as global human talent versatile in various languages as most of them speak both Korean and their foreign parent's mother tongues.
Some children have excellent academic performances and show leadership in their schools and communities, contributing to society through volunteer activities. Some also have extraordinary athletic and artistic talents, winning awards in national competitions.
World Bank President Jim Yong Kim said at the annual meeting of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in Lima, Peru, in October, that if countries with aging populations accept more immigrants and allow them to participate in economic activities, everyone will benefit and the immigrants will pay more taxes than the welfare expenses spent on them.
Kim's remark is already being proven in Korea. According to the Ministry of Employment and Labor, foreigners living in Korea created some 10 trillion won worth of effect on production inducement to the domestic economy in 2011. Also, they paid more than 600 billion won in taxes in 2013.
Now, we should give courage, hope and endless support to children of multicultural families.
In this regard, The Korea Times' Korea Multicultural Youth Awards is a great opportunity for promoting diversity and supporting talented children from multicultural families.
Last, but not the least, I would like to give my sincere congratulations to the award winners.
Thank you.
Kim Joon-sik, honorary chairman of Asian Friends, heads the jury for the 4th Korea Multicultural Youth Awards.
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