Lee Joong-geun Emphasizes Role of Private Sector in Addressing Low Birthrate and Aging Population
Proposes Childbirth Incentives, Raising Elderly Age Standard, and Re-designating UN Day
Lee Joong-geun, Chairman of Booyoung Group, once again emphasized the role of the private sector in addressing the issues of aging population and low birthrate.
On the 16th, Chairman Lee attended as a speaker at the Korea Newspaper and Broadcasting Editors Association Forum held at the Korea Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, stating, "I offer three proposals: childbirth incentives, raising the elderly age standard, and re-designating UN Day," and emphasized, "It is time for the government, media, and all sectors of society to come together."
Lee Joong-geun, chairman of Booyoung Group, is giving a lecture at the Editors' Association Forum held on the 16th at the Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Booyoung Group
Chairman Lee said, "An issue as serious as low birthrate is 'aging population'." He pointed out, "The current elderly population has exceeded 10 million and is expected to reach 20 million by 2050," adding, "The core population of 20 million will have to bear the welfare of 20 million elderly, which will become a heavy burden on future generations."
In his capacity as President of the Korea Senior Citizens Association, he revealed that he proposed to the government to "gradually raise the elderly age standard from 65 to 75 years." He emphasized, "The number of elderly should be managed at an appropriate level of about 12 million, and through extending retirement age and implementing wage peak systems, they should contribute to economic production."
Lee Joong-geun, Chairman of Booyoung Group (center), is giving a lecture at the Editors' Association Forum held at the Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 16th. Photo by Booyoung Group
He stated that the private sector must actively step up to solve the low birthrate problem. Chairman Lee said, "If the low birthrate continues as it is now, in 20 years we may face a crisis threatening national existence, including shortages of defense personnel for national security and order maintenance," and added, "Not only the government but the entire country, including the private sector, must come together."
Chairman Lee drew attention last year by providing childbirth incentives of 100 million KRW per child to employees who gave birth. At last year's New Year's ceremony, he supported a total of 10 billion KRW by giving 7 billion KRW to 70 children born to employees from 2021 to 2023, and 2.8 billion KRW to 28 children born to employees in early 2024. He said, "After implementing childbirth incentives, the birthrate within the company increased and the atmosphere became more positive," adding, "Encouraging childbirth is a task that the entire country must undertake together."
Chairman Lee also proposed re-designating 'UN Day' as a public holiday to honor the sacrifices of UN forces during the Korean War. He said, "The participation of UN forces from 60 countries laid the foundation for today's Republic of Korea. It was previously designated as a public holiday but was abolished in protest against North Korea's admission to the UN," adding, "Now is the time to reflect on our gratitude." He continued, "Re-designating UN Day as a public holiday can serve as an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic relations with UN member countries."
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