[My Election] Childcare Mom "Delayed School Opening Led to Resignation... An Election for My Child"

Interview with mother Kim Min-seo./Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] The novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) has torn daily life apart. It is an 'inconvenience' for everyone, but especially some are worried not only about health but also about 'economic survival.' Amid this, a general election is being held. It is a moment that makes us reconsider the role of the nation and politics. It is not a 'someone else's election' but 'my election.' This is a proposition that applies without exception to everyone. We met five voters: a mother anxious about the postponed school opening, a pharmacist on the front lines of the mask war, a startup CEO hampered by regulations, a businessperson who calls the Kaesong Industrial Complex era a "golden age," and a self-employed person with nothing but sighs. [Editor's note]

As the school opening is delayed, the difficulties of parents are growing. "There are mothers who quit their jobs because of the kids. Online classes vary by school, and in some well-off families, children are sent to private tutoring or small-sized academies. Many mothers worry about the widening learning gap," said Kim Min-seo (38), who has elementary school children, expressing her 'anxiety.' COVID-19 has caused a gap in public education, which can lead to inequality among families with different circumstances. Kim said, "There are quite a few cases where parents are frustrated because they don't have or have insufficient PCs for online classes," adding, "I understand the government's difficulties, but from the mothers' perspective, the government should have prepared equipment and taken action in advance before continuously postponing school openings by two weeks."

Cases where parents have no choice but to resign because of their children lead to economic hardship. It makes one think about the role of the state more than ever. Kim said, "As the COVID-19 situation prolongs, personal issues that I have been enduring are surfacing."

Even before the COVID-19 crisis, Kim felt that childcare and education issues were closely related to political situations. She said, "After getting married and having children, my interest in politics increased," adding, "Issues I considered personal, such as childcare, education, environment, gender equality, and economy, are closely related to politics. Childcare and politics are closely linked." Representative examples include the home childcare allowance system, the integration of the Nuri curriculum, and the 'Kindergarten 3 Acts.'

The most urgent need is safety. Disturbing news often makes her heart sink. Kim said, "Roads are always dangerous for children. I think the 'Min-sik Law' (enforced on the 25th of last month) will help," adding, "Having experienced the Nth Room case, sexual crimes against children and adolescents, and before that, the Sewol ferry disaster, I realized we live in a dangerous society, and the more anxious I am, the greater my anger. A stronger social message about safety is needed."

She inevitably feels the gravity of this general election. She has been paying close attention to the behavior of each political party rather than their pledges. Kim said, "Childcare pledges don't seem differentiated. You can tell the sincerity and direction by looking at the words and behavior of parties and candidates," adding, "I think it will vary greatly depending on which party takes the lead. The urgent matter right now is to increase the home childcare allowance."

For her, 'my election' is 'responsibility.' Kim said, "If I don't vote, I have to live a life where my opinions are not reflected. Voting is also a responsibility for my child," adding, "Just as I tell my child to do their promised homework, I also approach voting seriously."

Interview with mother Kim Min-seo on parenting./Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.