[AK Radio] Jung Woo-sung and Moon Ga-bi Spark Debate on Single Motherhood and Children Born Out of Wedlock

Airline Mileage: Hard to Accumulate and Even Harder to Use
Increase in Non-Marital Births and Changing Perceptions

The issues of airline mileage expiration and non-marital childbirth in the entertainment industry are drawing social attention. Although these are different issues, both reflect changing social demands and shifts in perception.

Airline Mileage: Hard to Accumulate and Even Harder to Use

As the year-end approaches, more consumers are expressing frustration over unused airline mileage that is about to expire. Airline mileage programs were introduced to enhance customer loyalty and offer bonuses, but many restrictions and difficulties arise in actual usage.

Originally, airline mileage had a validity period of 10 years, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, with air routes blocked, usage was restricted, leading to a three-year extension of mileage validity. Particularly this year, consumer dissatisfaction with mileage has increased because the extended mileage expiration dates are approaching.

Mileage can be accumulated by using flights or credit card spending. Korean Air typically awards 1 mile per 1,500 KRW spent, while Asiana Airlines awards 1 mile per 1,000 KRW. However, using mileage is not easy. During peak seasons or on popular routes, available seats for mileage redemption are limited, and even when purchasing tickets with mileage, additional fees such as fuel surcharges must be paid. Many products are also out of stock when trying to redeem mileage for goods.

Many consumers criticize airline mileage policies for prioritizing airline profits over consumer convenience. Online communities are filled with stories of failed attempts to use mileage. One consumer said, “After the expiration notice, I tried to book tickets, but all desired flights were fully booked,” while another expressed frustration, “I need to use 70,000 miles but can’t find anywhere to redeem them.”

As of the end of September this year, the unused mileage liabilities (deferred mileage revenue) amount to 2.5 trillion KRW for Korean Air and 980 billion KRW for Asiana Airlines.

To address consumer complaints, airlines are implementing special measures such as deploying special flights on Jeju Island routes. Korean Air will operate special flights allowing priority mileage ticketing from December 28 to January 1 next year, and Asiana Airlines will sell all remaining seats on 56 round-trip flights between Gimpo and Jeju from December 2 to 15 exclusively for mileage redemption.

Images of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines passenger aircraft on the runway and apron at Incheon International Airport. Yonhap News.

Increase in Non-Marital Births and Changing Perceptions

Recently, the news of actor Jung Woo-sung and model Moon Ga-bi having children outside of marriage has caused a significant stir in Korean society. Non-marital childbirth refers to having children without being married, and it is gaining attention as a movement forming new family types beyond traditional family concepts.

According to Statistics Korea, last year there were 10,900 non-marital births, accounting for 4.7% of total births (230,000). This marks the third consecutive year of increase. Particularly among people in their 20s, perceptions of having children without marriage are becoming more positive. A survey showed that 43% of people in their 20s responded that it is acceptable to have children without being married. In OECD countries, the rate of non-marital births ranges from 40% to 50%, with countries like Iceland, Chile, and Costa Rica exceeding 70%.

However, in Korea, non-marital childbirth still faces many institutional barriers. Most welfare benefits are based on legal marriage, leaving non-marital families excluded from various supports such as special housing supply for newlyweds. There are calls for institutional improvements, such as introducing a cohabiting family registration system, referencing overseas cases like France.

Experts analyze that with Korea’s current total fertility rate below 1, if social acceptance of non-marital childbirth rises to OECD levels, the fertility rate could increase to 1.55. However, opposition exists, especially from religious groups, arguing that it conflicts with traditional family values, indicating the need for social consensus discussions.

Changes in perceptions of marriage and childbirth have become an irreversible trend. As cases of non-marital childbirth in the entertainment industry continue to emerge, public reactions have become considerably more accepting than in the past. There are also calls for institutional supplements, such as legal protections regarding child support payments and parental rights.

Experts advise that policies should evolve to recognize and support diverse family forms. The shift in perceptions about marriage and childbirth is an unstoppable societal trend, and timely institutional support is urgently needed.

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