Government awards come as South Korea faces population decline with record-low birth rates

In response to South Korea’s alarming population decline, two women have been awarded civilian service medals for giving birth to 13 children each. The recognition comes at a time when the country’s fertility rate has dropped to 0.78 in 2022, the lowest in the world and well below the replacement level needed to maintain population size.

Honoring motherhood and contribution to the nation

The Ministry of Health and Welfare honored 60-year-old Eom Gye-suk with the prestigious Seongnyu Medal, recognizing her contribution to the country through her family. Eom, who raised five sons and eight daughters between 1986 and 2007, reflected on her experience: “After repeating pregnancy and childbirth for over 20 years, there were some difficulties, but thanks to my children who have grown up well, I think I have more happy moments than others.”

Similarly, 59-year-old Lee Yeong-mi was awarded the Civil Merit Medal. Lee, who gave birth to her first child at 23 and her last at 44, emphasized the need for better workplace policies to support larger families. “We desperately need a workplace culture where people can use childcare leave without worrying about what others think, and support for self-employed people who do not have childcare leave and cannot take time off from work,” she stated during a ceremony in Seoul last week.

A nation facing population collapse

South Korea’s population crisis has reached a critical point. With birth rates hitting historic lows, experts warn that the country’s current population of 51 million could halve by 2100. The government has implemented various measures to encourage families to have more children, but the cultural and economic factors behind the declining birth rate persist.

Challenges in healthcare for children

The shrinking population has also led to a steep decline in the number of pediatricians, as fewer children are born each year. Pediatric clinics in Seoul have decreased by 12.5% in the past five years, with hospitals struggling to fill pediatric positions. In 2022, only 16.3% of pediatric roles were filled, compared to nearly full staffing levels a decade ago. This shortage has left parents facing long wait times for the treatment of their children.

As South Korea confronts its demographic challenges, the stories of Eom and Lee highlight the importance of family and the government’s ongoing efforts to tackle the crisis.