"Is It True That Our Country Has the Lowest Birthrate?"... Foreign Media Puzzled by the No-Kids Zone Trend

CNN and Other Foreign Media Highlight 'No Kids Zone' in Korea
"Effect of Making People More Reluctant to Have Children"

Foreign media are paying close attention to the phenomenon of 'no-kids zones' (no-kids zone·areas where children are prohibited) becoming widespread in South Korea, which is recording one of the world's lowest birth rates.

[Image source=Pixabay]

On the 24th (local time), CNN in the United States reported, "Doubts are spreading over the validity of no-kids zones in the country with the world's lowest birth rate." CNN said, "In South Korea, no-kids zones have become noticeably popular in recent years," adding, "Hundreds of stores have opened nationwide to guarantee an undisturbed environment for adults."

CNN cited several organizations, reporting that there are about 80 no-kids zones on Jeju Island alone, and more than 400 nationwide.

However, CNN pointed out, "Concerns about demographic issues are growing, and many are questioning whether restricting children in many places is wise."

CNN also highlighted South Korea's total fertility rate. Last year, South Korea's total fertility rate was 0.78, ranking last among the 38 OECD countries. This figure is lower than Japan's (1.3) and the United States' (1.6). CNN mentioned, "Young people in South Korea are already under pressure due to skyrocketing real estate prices, long working hours, and economic insecurity."

No-Kids Zone Debate Heats Up... "South Korea Recently Introduced No-Senior Zone and No-YouTuber Zone"

[Image source=Pixabay]

CNN identified the decisive trigger for the introduction of no-kids zones as the 'food court burn incident' that occurred in 2012. This was an incident where a child collided with a staff member in a restaurant and got burned. At the time, the staff member in their 50s was criticized and labeled as a 'gukmulnyeo' (soup lady).

However, shortly after, footage was released showing the child running wildly in the restaurant, bumping into the staff member, and spilling soup on them, which reversed public opinion. Subsequently, criticism was directed at the parents for failing to control their child's behavior, and discussions about introducing no-kids zones became active.

CNN reported that not only adults without children but also some parents with children support no-kids zones. Ms. Lee, who has a two-year-old son, said, "When I go out with my child, I often see situations that make me frown," adding, "Since many parents do not manage their children's behavior that harms public facilities and others, I can understand why no-kids zones exist."

On the other hand, many parents feel uncomfortable with no-kids zones. Mr. Kim, who lives in Seoul, said, "When I see a store blatantly displaying a 'no-kids' sign, I feel attacked," and pointed out, "In South Korea, there is hatred toward mothers to the extent that terms like 'mamchung' (mom bug) exist, and no-kids zones seem to justify this sentiment."

CNN also analyzed that the restrictions are not limited to children. Age-based restricted zones such as 'no-teenager zones' (no entry for teenagers), 'no-senior zones' (elderly), and 'no-ajae zones' (middle-aged) have been established, as well as spaces excluding specific occupational groups like 'no-YouTuber zones' and 'no-professor zones.'

Professor Bonnie Tilland, a Korea expert at Leiden University in the Netherlands, analyzed, "People in their 20s and 30s in South Korea tend to have a strong concept of personal space," adding, "They are becoming less tolerant of noisy children and elderly people."

'No-Kids Zone' Issue Covered by The Washington Post... "May Discourage Having Children"

CNN is not the only media outlet pointing out the no-kids zone issue. Last month, the U.S. Washington Post (WP) focused on the spread of no-kids zones.

On the 12th of last month, WP addressed the no-kids zone controversy in an article titled "Is it discrimination if you can't bring children to restaurants?" WP stated, "This is a particularly important issue in South Korea, which has the world's lowest birth rate," and pointed out, "Restricting children in public places emphasizes the difficulties of parenting and may further discourage having children."

At the time, suggestions were made that instead of targeting children, prohibiting disruptive behaviors such as loud shouting in public places would be a better alternative.

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

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