Two South Korean Women Honored for Having 13 Children Each

In a nation grappling with plummeting fertility rates, two South Korean women, Eom Gye-suk and Lee Yeong-mi, were recently awarded medals by the country’s health and welfare ministry for their extraordinary contribution to society—each giving birth to 13 children.

These awards come at a time when South Korea faces the looming threat of a population crisis, with its fertility rate reaching a record low in recent years.

The recognition of these women highlights not only their personal dedication to motherhood but also the government’s broader efforts to address its demographic challenges.

The Remarkable Lives of Eom Gye-suk and Lee Yeong-mi

Eom Gye-suk, aged 60, was awarded the prestigious Seongnyu Medal for her remarkable achievement of birthing and raising 13 children over the course of two decades. Between 1986 and 2007, Eom gave birth to five sons and eight daughters, all of whom have since grown into adulthood.

The Seongnyu Medal is typically reserved for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to South Korea in various fields such as politics, economics, and education.

Eom Gye-suk’s commitment to raising such a large family in an era where birth rates are declining at an alarming pace is seen as a monumental accomplishment for both her family and the nation.

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Eom Gye-suk reflected on her experience as a mother of 13, acknowledging the difficulties but expressing gratitude for her children’s well-being. “After repeating pregnancy and childbirth for over 20 years, there were some difficulties,” she admitted.

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“But thanks to my children who have grown up well, I think I have more happy moments than others.” Her statement highlights the joy and fulfillment she has found through motherhood, despite the sacrifices and challenges that came with raising such a large family.

Similarly, Lee Yeong-mi, 59, was honored with the Civil Merit Medal, a distinction awarded to individuals who have contributed to society through personal achievements or public service. Lee gave birth to her first child at 23 and her last at 44, dedicating over two decades of her life to raising a family.

Lee Yeong-mi has become an advocate for improving workplace culture to enable younger generations to have more children without fear of professional repercussions. She emphasized the need for better policies surrounding childcare leave, especially for self-employed individuals who cannot afford to take time off.

“We desperately need a workplace culture where people can use childcare leave without worrying about what others think,” Lee Yeong-mi said at the award ceremony. Her advocacy reflects a growing awareness in South Korea of the need to balance family life with professional obligations, a major concern for many potential parents today.

The Alarming Decline in South Korea’s Birth Rate

The awards given to Eom and Lee come against the backdrop of South Korea’s steeply declining birth rate, which has become a critical concern for the government.

In 2022, the country recorded a fertility rate of just 0.78 children per woman, the lowest in the world and far below the replacement rate of 2.1 necessary to maintain a stable population.

This sharp decline has prompted serious discussions among policymakers, demographers, and social scientists about the future of the country’s population and economy.

South Korea’s fertility crisis is not just a demographic issue but also a socio-economic one. With fewer children being born each year, the country is facing the prospect of an aging population, a shrinking workforce, and increased pressure on social welfare systems.

By 2100, experts predict that South Korea’s population could shrink by nearly half, dropping from 51 million to just over 26 million. Such a dramatic population decline could have far-reaching consequences, from economic stagnation to geopolitical vulnerability.

One of the most immediate effects of the falling birth rate has been the shrinking number of pediatricians in South Korea. With fewer children being born, there is less demand for pediatric care, leading many pediatricians to leave the field.

In the capital city of Seoul, the number of pediatric clinics and hospitals has dropped by 12.5 percent over the past five years. Hospitals are also struggling to attract pediatricians, with only 16.3 percent of the positions available in the first half of 2022 being filled, compared to 97.4 percent in 2013.

This shortage of pediatricians is a growing concern, as it could impact the quality of healthcare for the country’s remaining children.

Addressing the Fertility Crisis: Policy and Cultural Changes

While the recognition of Eom and Lee for their extraordinary contributions to South Korea’s population may seem symbolic, it points to the government’s broader efforts to encourage higher birth rates. However, simply honoring women who have large families is unlikely to solve the underlying issues that contribute to South Korea’s fertility crisis.

One of the key factors driving the decline in birth rates is the country’s demanding work culture. Many young couples in South Korea feel that they cannot afford to have children due to the high cost of living, long working hours, and limited childcare support.

Workplace expectations often make it difficult for parents, especially women, to take time off for childbirth and childcare. This pressure discourages many from starting families, as they fear that taking parental leave could negatively impact their careers.

In her acceptance speech, Lee Yeong-mi addressed this issue head-on, calling for a cultural shift in the workplace. She advocated for a work environment where employees feel comfortable taking childcare leave without fear of judgment or career setbacks.

This kind of reform would be particularly beneficial for women, who often bear the brunt of childcare responsibilities and face greater career disruptions as a result.

Beyond workplace reform, there is also a need for stronger government support for families. Policies that provide financial assistance to parents, affordable childcare, and flexible working arrangements could make it easier for couples to have children.

Some experts have also called for changes to housing policies, as the high cost of housing in cities like Seoul is a major barrier for young couples who want to start families.

In addition to these practical measures, there is a need to shift societal attitudes toward parenthood. In South Korea, there is often a stigma associated with large families, as well as societal pressure to prioritize careers and personal success over family life.

Changing these perceptions could help create a more family-friendly culture, where having children is seen as a valuable and respected choice.

The Path Forward for South Korea

The stories of Eom Gye-suk and Lee Yeong-mi are inspiring examples of personal commitment to family life, but they also serve as a reminder of the broader challenges South Korea faces in addressing its fertility crisis.

While the government has taken steps to encourage higher birth rates, more comprehensive policies and cultural changes are needed to reverse the country’s demographic decline.

South Korea is not alone in facing this issue—many other developed nations, including Japan and Italy, are also experiencing declining birth rates. However, South Korea’s situation is particularly acute, with its fertility rate now the lowest in the world.

If the country is to avoid the long-term consequences of population collapse, it will need to adopt a multifaceted approach that addresses both the economic and social factors contributing to the decline in births.

Ultimately, the future of South Korea’s population will depend on the country’s ability to create an environment where young people feel confident in starting families. This will require not only policy changes but also a cultural shift that values and supports parenthood as a vital part of society.

As Eom Gye-suk and Lee Yeong-mi have shown, raising a family can be both challenging and rewarding, but with the right support, it is a choice that more South Koreans may be willing to make.