"South Korea, with the World's Lowest Birthrate, Has 500 No-Kids Zones"...Foreign Media Also Take Notice

Washington Post Points Out "Especially Important Issue in Korea"

Yong Hye-in, a Basic Income Party lawmaker who suffered from postpartum depression after giving birth for the first time in 2021, revealed that she was stopped from entering a cafe with her child, sparking controversy over 'No-Kid Zones,' which also drew attention from foreign media.

No Kids Zone (Source=cliparts.zone)

The Washington Post (WP) reported on the 12th (local time) about related controversies occurring in major countries, stating that there are about 500 such 'No-Kid' zones in South Korea.

WP pointed out, "The ban on children entering is not a problem limited to South Korea," adding, "This issue has already sparked controversy in countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Germany."

In fact, global airlines offer options to select seats away from infants and toddlers, and have designated zones where children under 12 are not allowed to board. Additionally, some museums and libraries in the U.S. and Europe operate 'No-Kid Days' that prohibit child visitors.

The newspaper noted that this causes a subtle controversy between discrimination and rights. The argument that No-Kid Zones affect low birth rates and discriminate against children clashes with the counterargument from business owners that maintaining the atmosphere of their establishments, which leads to sales, is a legitimate exercise of their rights.

Some scholars suggest that this issue requires more careful consideration in the era of low birth rates.

Unlike the past when having children was considered a natural order, in the present where it is seen as a matter of choice, the spread of 'No-Kid culture' could become another reason for choosing not to have children.

WP emphasized, "This is especially important in South Korea, which has the world's lowest birth rate," and pointed out, "Restricting children’s access to public places highlights the difficulties of parenting and may make people more reluctant to have children."

John Wall, a professor at Rutgers University, criticized, "An adult drunk and shouting in a restaurant is much more annoying than a crying infant," and said, "Banning children from entering instills the idea that they are second-class citizens."

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