A South Korean official has been expelled from the ruling Democratic Party after suggesting that the country “import young women” from Vietnam or Sri Lanka to address declining birth rates.
Kim Hee-soo, head of Jindo County in South Jeolla Province, made the remark during a televised town hall meeting, saying these women could be married to young men in rural areas. South Korea faces one of the world’s lowest birth rates, with projections suggesting its 50 million population could halve within 60 years.
The comment sparked widespread public outrage and a diplomatic protest from Vietnam. Attempts by Kim to apologise the following day were not enough to quell criticism. Local media reported that Kim said his remark aimed to highlight population issues in rural regions but acknowledged that his language was “inappropriate.”
South Jeolla Province also issued a formal apology, recognising that Kim’s statement “has caused deep pain to Vietnamese people and to women.” The Vietnamese Embassy in Seoul condemned the remarks, calling them “not simply a matter of expression but a matter of values and attitudes towards migrant women and minority groups.” Sri Lanka has yet to comment.
The Democratic Party’s Supreme Council unanimously voted to expel Kim, according to a party spokesperson. Meanwhile, women’s and migrant rights activists are planning a protest outside the Jindo County Office on Tuesday.
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