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Sunday, 9 August 2026 Reading Room

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Two children are good, but reality is one... "Because of the burden of childcare and education costs" 한국보건사회연구원 조사…2명 이상 낳는 가정 17년 만에 4분의 1 토막 KBS가 한국보건사회연구원과 함께 조사한 결과, 이상적인 자녀 수는 2.1명이지만, 실제 출생률은 0.9명에 그쳤습니다. According to a survey conducted by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, the ideal number of children is 2.1, but the actual birth rate is only 0.9. 보건사회연구원이 2003년과 2020년에 실시한 '전국 출산력 및 가족보건∙계획 조사' 결과를 비교해 봤습니다. Let's compare the results of the "National Fertility and Family Health and Planning Survey" conducted by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs in 2003 and 2020. 2003년만 해도, '2명 이상의 자녀를 낳을 계획인가'라는 질문에 46.3%가 '그렇다'고 답했습니다. In 2003, 46.3% of respondents answered "yes" to the question, "Do you plan to have two or more children?" 하지만 2020년에 실시한 같은 조사에서는 11.8%로 급감했습니다. However, in the same survey conducted in 2020, the percentage dropped sharply to 11.8%. 2명 이상 자녀를 낳는 가정이 17년 만에 4분의 1로 줄어든 겁니다. This means that the number of households having two or more children has decreased to one-fourth in 17 years. 자녀를 한 명도 낳지 않는 가정은 2017년 3.6%에서 2020년 7.5%로 늘었습니다. The number of households with no children increased from 3.6% in 2017 to 7.5% in 2020. 보건사회연구원은 저출생의 원인으로 '양육과 교육비 부담'을 꼽았습니다. The Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs cited the burden of childcare and education costs as the cause of the low birth rate. 특히, '자녀 1명당 월평균 양육 비용이 100만 원 이상'이라는 응답이 2017년 57.6%에서 2020년 64.4%로 크게 늘었습니다. In particular, the percentage of respondents who answered that the monthly childcare cost per child is over 1 million won increased significantly from 57.6% in 2017 to 64.4% in 2020. 보건사회연구원 관계자는 "양육과 교육비 부담을 덜어주는 정책이 필요하다"고 말했습니다. A researcher at the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs said, "Policies that alleviate the burden of childcare and education costs are needed."

·hani.co.kr

In a surprising move, Jecheon Mayor Choi Myung-hee asked Kim Seon-tae, who had already resigned, if he had any intention of returning to politics, sparking curiosity about her motives. On the 27th, Mayor Choi visited Kim Seon-tae, who had resigned as a city council member, at his home in Jecheon, Chungcheong Province, and reportedly asked him, “Do you have any thoughts about coming back?” According to those close to Kim, when Kim expressed his concerns about the current situation in Jecheon, saying “I’m scared,” Mayor Choi responded with the question. The meeting between the two, which lasted about 30 minutes, was initiated by Mayor Choi, who had been seeking to find out Kim’s future plans. Kim had announced his resignation as a city council member on the 14th of last month, citing his inability to continue due to the recent death of his wife and his own health issues. The reason behind Mayor Choi’s question is not explicitly stated, but it is speculated that she may be seeking to utilize Kim’s experience and skills for the upcoming June 1st local elections. Kim’s close associates have expressed their stance, saying, “It seems that the mayor is trying to persuade him to return, but we have not yet decided on a specific course of action.” In response to this development, some Jecheon residents have expressed concerns, stating, “It seems like the mayor is trying to use Kim for her own purposes.” However, others have shown support, saying, “If Kim returns, it could be a positive development for Jecheon.” The situation remains to be seen as to whether Kim will heed Mayor Choi’s suggestion and return to politics.

·hani.co.kr

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