Kim Jong-in "Birth rate drops to 0.8... Active immigration policies and other measures need to be considered"

Kim Jong-in, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, is attending the Emergency Response Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the 7th and delivering an opening remark. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporters Lee Ji-eun and Lim Chun-han] Kim Jong-in, the Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, recently referred to the total fertility rate, which has fallen to around 0.8, and urged the need for measures such as accepting immigration policies. Regarding the discussion on the 4th disaster relief fund, mainly raised by the ruling party, he pointed out, "I have doubts about whether this is a form of government that people can feel secure about."

At the Emergency Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 7th, Chairman Kim said, "For the future of the Republic of Korea, it is necessary to take serious measures on how to actively accept immigration policies or reorganize all sectors to encourage childbirth." This appears to be in response to concerns that the total fertility rate could fall to the 0.8 level last year.

He emphasized, "There is an issue that has not been given attention during the COVID-19 crisis, which is that low birth rates will have a tremendous impact on our country's development and economy," adding, "If this is not corrected and the population continues to decline, not only the economy but the very substance of our country will be endangered."

He also criticized the government's response to the COVID-19 situation. He said, "Although professional organizations warned in advance that the COVID-19 situation would worsen from autumn, the government took a complacent attitude and failed to properly prepare for vaccine procurement," pointing out, "Many vulnerable groups are suffering due to the COVID-19 crisis, and recently, some self-employed people threatened in their livelihoods due to certain quarantine measures have even been seen protesting."

Regarding the discussion on the disaster relief fund payments, Chairman Kim said, "It is said that about 9 trillion won will be invested in the disaster relief fund, but recently the ruling party suddenly raised the issue of the 4th disaster relief fund," adding, "People cannot help but doubt whether this is a form of government that they can trust and feel secure about."

He said, "The issue of polarization is developing into a serious situation due to the COVID-19 crisis," and urged, "President Moon should carefully review and judge this situation and take preemptive measures to prevent society from falling into turmoil."