South Korean official expelled over ‘import women’ comment
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, […]
