Time for a paradigm shift on parental leave (Mercator/8 Oct 2024)

Mercator highlights South Korea’s demographic crisis, worsened by ultra-low fertility and an aging population. Despite government efforts, issues like work culture and the gender pay gap persist. Professor Sojung Lim proposes recognizing parenting as public service, with universal parental leave and increased child support to shift societal priorities and improve work-life balance, aiming to reverse the declining birth rate.