'Korea's demographic crisis rooted in changing family values': Global Peace Foundation head
Korea will not reverse its demographic decline simply by spending more on policy measures, according to Hyun Jin Preston Moon, founder and chairman of the Global Peace Foundation. The deeper problem, he argues, is a transformation in how Koreans view marriage, parenthood and their obligations to one another. "The family unit is the primary and the most important cultural expression of Korea,"…
Korea's demographic crisis is not merely a result of spending more on policy measures, asserts Hyun Jin Preston Moon, founder and chairman of the Global Peace Foundation. The root cause, he contends, lies in a profound shift in how Koreans perceive marriage, parenthood, and their responsibilities towards one another. Moon emphasizes that the family unit serves as the cornerstone and paramount cultural expression of Korean society.
He warns that the abandonment of this institution, which he regards as the most vital to the nation, poses a threat to the very fabric of Korean civilization.
Moon believes that treating the fertility crisis as solely an economic issue overlooks a more fundamental change in values. He advocates reviving elements of Korea's traditional family culture, characterized by robust intergenerational connections, filial duty, admiration for senior family members, and extensive mutual support among generations. According to Moon, the erosion of these structures has significantly contributed to the country's demographic decline.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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