In a provocative bid to address South Korea's plummeting birth rates, Asan Mayor Yoo Young-jae sparked national outrage by suggesting the country "import young women" from abroad during a local forum on population decline. The remark, made last week at an event organized by the city government, drew immediate backlash for its dehumanizing tone and sexist undertones, prompting South Chungcheong Province to issue a formal apology on behalf of local authorities.
Mayor Yoo, a veteran politician from the conservative People Power Party, made the comment while discussing drastic measures needed to reverse the nation's fertility rate, which hit a record low of 0.72 births per woman last year. "We need to bring in young women from Southeast Asia or other regions to increase our population," he reportedly said, framing it as a pragmatic solution akin to labor importation programs. The forum, attended by about 100 local officials and residents, was meant to brainstorm policies amid growing concerns over an aging society, but the mayor's words quickly overshadowed the discussion.
South Korea's demographic crisis has intensified in recent years, with the government pouring billions into incentives like cash subsidies, housing support, and extended parental leave—yet failing to stem the tide. Experts attribute the decline to high living costs, intense work culture, gender inequality in households, and shifting attitudes toward marriage among young people. Mayor Yoo's proposal echoes fringe debates online but marks a rare instance of such rhetoric from an elected official, highlighting the desperation gripping policymakers.
The provincial government responded swiftly, with Governor Kim Tae-heum's office releasing a statement expressing "deep regret" over the remarks and clarifying that they do not reflect official policy. "Such expressions are inappropriate and do not align with our values of gender equality and human dignity," the apology read, while emphasizing ongoing efforts to promote domestic family support programs. Mayor Yoo has not publicly retracted his statement but reportedly told aides it was taken out of context, fueling further criticism.
Public reaction exploded on social media, with feminist groups and progressive activists labeling the comment as "human trafficking disguised as policy." Hashtags like #ImportWomenNo and #YooResign trended nationwide, amassing millions of views. Demographers, however, noted the underlying panic: without intervention, South Korea's population could shrink by half by 2100, straining pensions and the workforce. While Yoo's idea was widely condemned, it underscores the innovative—or extreme—thinking emerging as traditional solutions falter.
As the controversy unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the cultural and policy chasm in tackling fertility woes. With national elections looming, the incident could reshape debates on immigration, gender roles, and family policy, pressuring leaders to balance bold ideas with sensitivity in a nation on the brink of demographic collapse.
