Full Breakdown
South Korean Official's Controversial Remarks on "Importing" Women Spark Outrage
2/10/2026, 7:36:19 PM
Controversial Comments and Immediate Backlash
Kim Hee-su, the head of Jindo County in South Jeolla Province, South Korea, faced significant backlash after suggesting during a town hall meeting that the country should "import" young women from Southeast Asia, specifically Vietnam and Sri Lanka, to address its declining birth rate. His comments, made last week, proposed pairing these women with young men in rural areas to combat the demographic crisis facing South Korea, which has one of the lowest fertility rates globally, currently estimated at around 0.75.
The remarks were met with immediate condemnation from various quarters, including a formal diplomatic protest from the Vietnamese embassy in Seoul. The embassy criticized Kim's language as offensive and indicative of a lack of respect for human rights and gender sensitivity. They emphasized that such expressions undermine the dignity of women and called for acknowledgment and correction of these views.
Official Responses and Apologies
In response to the uproar, both Kim and the South Jeolla provincial government issued apologies. Kim stated that he regretted using "inappropriate language" and clarified that his intention was to highlight the structural challenges related to population decline and marriage rates in rural areas. The South Jeolla provincial government echoed this sentiment, stating that Kim's remarks had "caused deep pain to Vietnamese people and to women" and reaffirmed their commitment to human rights and gender equality.
Following the backlash, the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), to which Kim belonged, expelled him from the party. The DPK's Supreme Council voted unanimously for his expulsion, citing the need to uphold the party's values and maintain respect for all individuals.
Broader Implications of the Remarks
Kim's comments come at a time when South Korea is grappling with a demographic crisis that could see its population, currently around 50 million, nearly halved by the end of the century if current trends continue. The government has invested billions in initiatives aimed at increasing the birth rate, including financial incentives for families and support for parents. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains a topic of debate.
The controversy has sparked discussions about the treatment of migrant women and the values surrounding multiculturalism in South Korea. Advocacy groups for women's rights and migrant communities have planned protests to demand accountability and highlight the need for sensitivity in public discourse.
Conflicting Reports and Future Considerations
While Kim's remarks have drawn widespread condemnation, the authorities in Sri Lanka have not publicly addressed the issue. The Vietnamese Women's Association in Korea also expressed discontent, reinforcing the need for respectful dialogue regarding migrant populations.
As South Korea continues to confront its demographic challenges, the incident underscores the complexities of addressing population decline while ensuring respect for human rights and the dignity of all individuals involved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Expressions such as ‘import’ undermine human dignity and objectify women, and can never be justified,” — South Jeolla Province
- “I used inappropriate language while trying to stress the need for institutional measures to address depopulation. I deeply regret causing misunderstanding and discomfort.” — Kim Hee-su
