[2025 Women Leaders Forum] "Easing Parenting Anxiety Through Technology... Helping to Overcome Low Birthrate"

The 14th Women Leaders Forum Held
Parenting Tech Startups Join the Discussion
Introducing Technology-Driven Parenting Experiences
"Reducing Anxiety and Boosting Confidence"

For parents who have entered a whole new universe after having a child, the magnitude of anxiety can be just as great as their happiness. They often worry about whether their child is developing well or falling behind others, and sometimes experience guilt. This is why startups in the tech sector have stepped in to provide a happier parenting experience. They believe these efforts can also help address the low birthrate, which has become a significant social issue.

[2025 Women Leaders Forum] "Easing Parenting Anxiety Through Technology... Helping to Overcome Low Birthrate"

On the 6th, panelists attending the "2025 Women Leaders Forum" hosted by The Asia Business Daily at Lotte Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, are discussing the topic "Low Birthrate Transformation: New Parenting Opened by Tech." From the left, announcer Lee Jiae, Ordinary Magic CEO Heo Cheonga, Cocozi CEO Park Jihee, and Village Baby CEO Lee Jungyoon.

Cheonga Heo, CEO of Ordinary Magic, Jihee Park, CEO of Cocozi, and Jungyoon Lee, CEO of Village Baby, participated in the "2025 Women Leaders Forum" hosted by The Asia Business Daily at Lotte Hotel Seoul on November 6, where they discussed these topics. During Session 3, held in the afternoon under the theme "New Parenting Opened by Technology," the three CEOs, who served as panelists, shared their perspectives on various subjects, including their reasons for entering the parenting tech sector, the necessity of their businesses, and their visions for the future of parenting.

The panelists identified "alleviating anxiety" as a key benefit of providing technology-based parenting support services. Lee, who operates the pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting information app Babyvilly, explained, "Simply providing parents with the information they need for each week of their child's development significantly eases their anxiety. Seventy percent of their worries can be resolved through information, and the remaining 30 percent can be alleviated through empathy and comfort within the app’s community."

On the 6th, discussants attending the "2025 Women Leaders Forum" hosted by The Asia Business Daily at Lotte Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, are debating under the theme "Low Birthrate Transformation: New Parenting Opened by Technology." From the left, announcer Lee Jiae, Ordinary Magic CEO Heo Cheonga, Cocozi CEO Park Jihee, and Village Baby CEO Lee Jungyoon. November 6, 2025. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

Park, who introduced "Cocozi," an ICT-based language companion that fosters emotional and character development, noted, "Parents often have no other choice but to expose their children to screens while eating or taking a short break, but many still feel guilty about it. Cocozi helps reduce this burden, so parents can feel more confident and happy about raising their children."

The panelists unanimously agreed that parenting tech-based services can also help solve the low birthrate problem. Heo, who launched "Picabee," an AI-based personalized play service for infants and toddlers, said, "Parents raising children commonly experience a lot of anxiety, competition, and comparison. If various services can reduce this and boost their confidence, it can foster a more positive perception of parenting." She added, "If more brands contribute to reducing anxiety, society can become a better place for raising children."

The panelists also evaluated that Korea's parenting tech industry has global competitiveness. Heo stated, "Korean parents do not resist new technologies like AI; in fact, they tend to embrace them proactively. Korea is an excellent market for parenting tech." Park added, "Korean parents go beyond simply consuming products-they also consider education, emotional development, and family bonds. This nuanced perspective has been central to Cocozi’s service design. Last year, we launched parenting-related services in Taiwan, and they now account for 15 percent of our total sales, reflecting a strong response." Lee shared, "We are providing services in Southeast Asia and Japan, and even just featuring Korean mothers in our app advertisements increases click-through rates. Just like K-beauty, K-parenting is earning trust as a brand in itself."

The panelists also presented their visions for the future of parenting. Park had a positive outlook on using AI in parenting, despite ongoing debates. She remarked, "Some view AI solely as a risk factor, but if used well, it can be developed into content that explains emotions and expands imagination." Lee commented, "It is important to naturally encourage fathers to participate in parenting, and this is the direction our app aims for. Ten years from now, I hope Babyvilly will be recognized for helping children grow up emotionally healthy."