"Tell Children 'It's Okay'"... Oh Eun-young's 'Etiquette' Campaign Sparks Debate

Low Birthrate and Aging Society Committee Campaign

Photo by YouTube channel 'Jeochulsan Goryeong Sahoe Wiwonhoe' capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] Opinions among netizens are divided over the 'Aetiquette' (Child + Etiquette) campaign by the Low Fertility and Aging Society Committee, featuring psychiatrist Dr. Oh Eun-young.

On the 9th, the Low Fertility and Aging Society Committee released a video titled "Please Tell Your Child It's Okay! Low Fertility and Aging Society Committee Aetiquette Campaign" on their YouTube channel.

The video depicts a scene in a park where a couple walking with coffee accidentally bumps into a child playing ball. As a result, the coffee held by the woman spills, dirtying her pants and shoes.

Dr. Oh said, "Please kindly say 'It's okay' to the child's clumsiness," adding, "Children are short, so their field of vision is narrow, and they are inexperienced in using their bodies in a planned way. Since they are growing, please be lenient."

In the restaurant scene, a child cries and throws a tantrum, causing all the customers to look at the family. At this moment, a male customer, unable to bear it, says, "Excuse me, sir."

Then Dr. Oh appears and says, "This is when Aetiquette is needed," and mentions, "When a child is struggling because they are unfamiliar, please say 'It's okay'." She continues, "Children feel anxious in unfamiliar places. They may seem like disobedient kids, but their hearts are troubled. Please understand the way children express their feelings differently from adults."

Finally, in the workplace scene, a man working late receives a call from his child's daycare asking, "It's past pickup time; what time will you come?" When the man says, "I'll come as soon as possible," his boss frowns and looks at him.

Regarding this, Dr. Oh said, "Please say 'It's okay' to parents raising children," adding, "If mom or dad doesn't come at the promised time, the child will feel anxious and scared as if left alone in the universe. For a child, parents are the universe."

Immediately after the campaign video was released, netizens responded negatively with comments such as "Parents should take responsibility for their child's mistakes," "Resolving it through apology or material compensation should come first," and "Parents who take it for granted not to apologize are wrong."

On the other hand, some said, "Children can make mistakes, and parents can apologize," "Everyone grows up making mistakes," and "The campaign's intention is good. However, I hope a parent version is also made. Many people don't know how to feel sorry and apologize."

Meanwhile, as the controversy grew, the Low Fertility and Aging Society Committee blocked all comments on the video.