South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has announced plans to establish a Ministry of Low Birth Rate Counter Planning in order to combat the country’s alarming decline in fertility rates. Yoon emphasized the urgency of the situation, referring to the low birth rate as a national emergency. The fertility rate in the country has dropped to 0.72, well below the 2.1 rate needed to maintain the population. Experts predict that if current trends continue, South Korea’s population could nearly halve by the year 2100.
Yoon’s government aims to mobilize all state resources in a coordinated effort to address the low birth rate crisis. By creating a dedicated department, Yoon hopes to establish a more effective control tower to tackle the issue. The president highlighted the severity of the situation and stressed the need for lawmakers to cooperate in this effort. The proposed ministry would focus on developing strategies and policies to encourage childbirth and support families in raising children in South Korea.
In addition to addressing the low birth rate issue, Yoon discussed other aspects of his administration’s policies, including relations with neighboring countries. The president acknowledged strained ties with Moscow due to alleged arms shipments from North Korea to Russia. Yoon condemned North Korea’s export of offensive weapons, which he stated violated UN Security Council sanctions resolutions. Despite tensions with Russia, Yoon expressed a desire to manage the relationship smoothly and outlined a commitment to maintaining South Korea’s policy of not selling arms into active conflicts.
South Korea’s ambition to become a major player in the global arms trade was also mentioned by Yoon. The country has long sought to join the ranks of the world’s top arms exporters, with the goal of becoming the fourth largest behind the United States, Russia, and France. Industry research suggests that this goal is within reach for South Korea. However, the current policy of not selling arms into active conflicts has prevented the country from providing military aid to Ukraine, in line with its longstanding stance. Yoon’s government will continue to pursue this goal while balancing its foreign policy priorities and commitments.
Overall, Yoon Suk Yeol’s address highlighted the pressing challenges facing South Korea, from the low birth rate crisis to diplomatic tensions with neighboring countries such as Russia. The president’s bold plans to establish a ministry dedicated to addressing the low birth rate issue demonstrate a commitment to tackling this crisis head-on. Yoon’s policies on arms sales and foreign relations also reflect the complex balancing act required of South Korea as it navigates regional dynamics and global security concerns. As the government moves forward with its plans, it remains to be seen how effective these measures will be in addressing the country’s demographic and geopolitical challenges.
