Yong Hye-in Holds Press Conference Holding Her Two-Year-Old Son: "Let's Create a First Kids Zone"

"No Kids Zone Should Be Abolished and Children's Fast Track Introduced"
National Assembly Press Conference Also Emphasizes the Need for Enacting the Equality Act

Yong Hye-in, a member of the Basic Income Party, held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office on the 4th, a day before Children's Day, advocating for the creation of a "First Kids Korea."

At the press conference, Representative Yong appeared holding her two-year-old son. She said, "Before having a child, I was unaware of 'No Kids Zones' (establishments that restrict access to infants and children). But after having a child, the pretty cafes and restaurants I wanted to visit were all 'No Kids Zones.'" She continued, "'No Kids Zones' are also 'No Caregiver Zones,'" emphasizing, "We need a society that welcomes children and ensures caregivers do not feel deprived, not only on Children's Day but every day."

Representative Yong pointed out, "Many people talk about the seriousness of the population crisis, but the daily lives of caregivers are not even discussed in public forums." She stressed, "To overcome the population crisis, caring for children must become a responsibility of society as a whole, not just individual caregivers."

She then proposed three changes for a "First Kids Korea." First, Representative Yong said, "We must start by eliminating 'No Kids Zones' in public facilities," emphasizing, "Even public facilities like the National Library of Korea operate as 'No Kids Zones' without reasonable justification. A thorough nationwide survey on children's accessibility to public facilities at the national level is necessary." She added, "I will urge government ministries and local governments to expand public facilities, including public playgrounds, where children can freely enjoy leisure."

Yong Hye-in, a member of the Basic Income Party, held a press conference on the 4th at the National Assembly Communication Office while holding her two-year-old son. [Image source=Yong's Facebook]

The second necessity emphasized by Representative Yong is the "Korean-style Children's Fast Track system." She explained, "Recently, Japan introduced a 'Children's Fast Track system' as a solution to the low birthrate problem, allowing families with children and pregnant women to enter without waiting in line," and stressed, "This system is the starting point for creating a 'child-friendly city.'" Representative Yong said, "During the remainder of my term, I will actively consider legislating the Korean version of the Children's Fast Track system."

Next, Representative Yong stated, "We must enact an Equality Act to create a society where no one is rejected." She pointed out, "Social exclusion that began with 'No Kids Zones' is expanding to 'No Youth Zones' and others," criticizing, "We have become accustomed to the idea that discrimination and exclusion are acceptable for a faster and more convenient daily life." Representative Yong argued, "We need a society that prohibits all discrimination, not one that discriminates against children," and called to "convene a 'Fast National Assembly Joint Meeting' in May to fast-track the Equality Act."

She added, "We are all children or were once children. At the first moments of life, we are slow and clumsy, always inexperienced in learning new things and in need of someone’s help," emphasizing, "The society we want is not one only for fast, skilled, and mature people, but one where it is okay to be slow, clumsy, and inexperienced. Not a society that discriminates against children, but one that prohibits all discrimination."

Representative Yong said, "When I proposed the Child Accompaniment Act, I said from the National Assembly that we should change from 'No Kids Zones' to 'Yes Kids Zones.'" She added, "Even now, two years later, it is difficult to be with children inside and outside the National Assembly. On the 101st Children's Day, as a member of the National Assembly and a working mom, I will do my best to turn 'No Kids Zones' into 'First Kids Zones.'"

During the press conference, her son in her arms moved around and pulled on the microphone and camera, causing delays and interruptions.

After the press conference, Representative Yong posted on Facebook, "Although I have stood at countless press conferences before, today I was more nervous than ever," explaining, "Because being with a child always requires a lot of courage." She continued, "I hope today's somewhat uncomfortable and somewhat noisy press conference became a moment for our society to share that we can fully live together with children."

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