Mother of Actress Nam Bora, Who Gave Birth to 13 Siblings Over 20 Years, Receives National Medal of Honor

Ministry of Health and Welfare, 'Pregnant Women's Day' Event

The mother of actress Nam Bora, who raised 13 siblings, received a government award.

According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare on the 12th, at the '18th Pregnant Women’s Day' event held at the Glad Hotel in Yeouido, Seoul on the 10th, Eom Gye-sook (60), who gave birth to and raised 13 children, was awarded the Order of Civil Merit, the Pomegranate Medal. Additionally, Lee Young-mi (59), the mother of actress Nam Bora, received the National Medal of Honor.

Eom is known for giving birth to 13 children and raising them together with her husband, which became a topic of interest. Currently, nine of her children are employed, two are university students, and two are high school students. She was recognized for her contributions in promoting the importance and value of childbirth and parenting through various lectures, earning her the medal.

Actor Nam Bora [Image source=Nam Bora Instagram capture]

The Ministry of Health and Welfare awarded the National Medal of Honor to Lee, the mother of actress Nam Bora, who gave birth to and raised 13 children. She became pregnant with her first child at age 23 and continued to conceive and give birth over 21 years until she was 44. Lee’s children have grown into various professions including entertainers, dental hygienists, artists, bankers, and doctors, with the youngest currently in the third year of middle school.

Lee is active in childbirth promotion associations and parent networks, and has organized a social group that delivers lunchboxes to children, engaging in sharing activities. Nam Bora, the second of eight brothers and five sisters, gained public recognition in 2005 by appearing on MBC’s variety program 'Sunday Sunday Night.' Later, in 2008, she appeared on KBS 1TV’s documentary program 'Human Theater,' showcasing the happy daily life of a large family.

At the event, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, Senior Researcher Kim Eun-young of Seoul National University Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation, and Christian Broadcasting System (CBS) also received presidential citations for their contributions to overcoming low birth rates. Gyeongsangbuk-do declared a 'war against low birth rates' and is implementing pregnancy and childbirth policies tailored to regional characteristics. Nurse Kim Eun-young has been operating a prenatal and early childhood home visitation program. Additionally, CBS established an infant cultural center, supported the establishment of daycare centers, and contributed to encouraging childbirth through broadcasting campaigns.

Lee Ki-il, First Vice Minister of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, said at the ceremony, "For pregnant women to have safe, healthy, and happy pregnancies and childbirths, warm attention and consideration from our society are necessary," adding, "The government will also prepare more detailed and practical policies to provide support."

Pregnant Women’s Day was established in 2005 to support safe and healthy pregnancies and childbirths during the typical 10-month pregnancy period and to promote a culture of consideration for pregnant women.