Low Birthrate Response Policy Roundtable

Incheon: The First Step in Solving the Low Birthrate Problem

Welcome, everyone. 

The Presidential Committee on Aging Society and Population Policy 

is holding a series of roundtables to hear voices from various sectors, 

and Incheon is the first stop. 

I would like to thank Vice-Chairperson Joo Hyung-hwan for being here.

You know the committee chairperson is the President, 

which demonstrates the importance of this issue. 

Vice-Chairperson Joo is a renowned policy expert 

and a former Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy. 

The President personally appointed him, believing he could make a difference.

Incheon was chosen as the first location for this discussion. 

As you all know, the Republic of Korea is currently facing a serious issue

 with its low birthrate today: a looming crisis. 

Out of 236 countries, we rank last in terms of birthrate. 

Last year, our total fertility rate was 0.72, even dropping to 0.69 in the fourth quarter.

I couldn’t rely solely on the central government, 

so we announced the 1 Billion+ iDream Policy last year. 

Incheon has a growing population, 

but this is not just Incheon'’s problem—it’s a problem for all of the Republic of Korea.

The Low Birthrate Response Proposed by Incheon City Has Become a Reality

So, we are currently pushing forward the 1 Billion+ iDream Policy 

in Incheon and continuously seeking complementary measures. 

When we announced the policy, we emphasized that this is not just about Incheon

but about the entire Republic of Korea and that a major shift in government policy is needed. 

We suggested establishing a chief secretary for low birthrate response 

in the Office of the President of the Republic of Korea and creating a low birthrate response office 

in the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea.

The government has accepted these proposals. 

The President has decided to introduce a chief secretary 

to address the low birthrate issue in Yongsan, 

and the government has announced the establishment 

of a department dedicated to planning a response.

There is much work ahead. 

The most important thing is to hear the voices from the field, 

which is why we listen to your opinions. 

There are young people here who are not yet married, and even someone with quintuplets. 

I have a photo of the quintuplets in my office to remind me that we need to provide hope. 

We need to take responsibility for our future.

I believe many valuable opinions will be shared today. 

Vice Chairman Joo is highly knowledgeable in this area, and if you speak well, 

your suggestions will be reflected in the policies. I will do the same.

Incheon and the Central Government Will Work Together

Let’s Unite to Save the Republic of Korea from This Crisis

Please share your thoughts openly today, 

and I will review them thoroughly and incorporate them into our city’s policies. 

With Vice-Chairperson Joo Hyung-hwan 

from the Presidential Committee on Aging Society and Population Policy here, 

we will also push for these ideas at the central policy level. We must make this a reality.

The undeniable fact is that the Republic of Korea cannot continue in its current state. 

Since 2006, we have spent KRW 380 trillion, yet we face the worst situation globally. 

Overcoming this crisis is essential. 

The President has emphasized several times that we need extraordinary measures.

So, please speak freely today. 

Your input will help shape the policy to save the Republic of Korea from this crisis. 

Thank you again for your participation.