Stay-at-home dads who do not earn money tripled in 10 years... "The highest number ever"

16,000 Men Fully Responsible for Childcare
840,000 Women Fully Responsible for Childcare... Still 52 Times More

The number of men who took a break from economic activities to fully dedicate themselves to childcare reached 16,000 last year, marking the highest figure since related statistics began. Although the population engaged in childcare is decreasing due to low birth rates, the number of men involved in childcare has nearly tripled over the past decade.

(This photo is not directly related to the article) Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

According to the National Statistical Office's National Statistical Portal (KOSIS) and microdata from the Economically Active Population Survey on the 21st, the number of men whose main activity among the economically inactive population was 'childcare' was 16,000 last year, an increase of 4,000 (37.4%) from 12,000 the previous year. This is the highest annual figure since related statistics began being compiled in June 1999.

While the population engaged in childcare is decreasing due to low birth rates, the number of men involved in childcare is steadily increasing. Among the economically inactive population, those whose main activity was childcare decreased from 1,483,000 in 2013 to 1,266,000 in 2017, and has remained below 1 million since 2022. In contrast, men involved in childcare increased from 6,000 in 2013 and 9,000 in 2019 to surpass 10,000 at 13,000 in 2021. Although the number slightly decreased in 2022, it rose again last year, nearly tripling over the past decade. By age group, men in their 40s accounted for more than half at 8,400 (53.3%), followed by those in their 30s at 4,600 (28.8%).

This is interpreted as a result of the expansion of spousal childcare leave policies and the growing awareness of men's role in childcare. The National Statistical Office added that caution is needed regarding statistical variability due to the relatively small number of men involved in childcare.

Illustration by Kim Dahee

However, the number of women fully dedicated to childcare is 52 times higher than that of men, indicating that the gender gap remains significant. The number of women engaged in childcare decreased by 145,000 (14.7%) last year to 840,000. This number has been steadily declining from 1,476,000 in 2013 to 1,262,000 in 2017 and 984,000 in 2022, but women still predominantly take on childcare responsibilities. By age group, women in their 30s were the largest group at 497,000 (59.1%), followed by those in their 40s at 219,000 (26.1%).

Women's economic participation has been steadily increasing. The female labor force participation rate rose from 49.8% in 2011 to 50.3% in 2013 and 53.5% in 2019, reaching a record high of 55.6% last year since related statistics began. However, according to the Federation of Korean Industries and others, the female labor force participation rate (for ages 15?64) ranked 31st among 37 OECD member countries in 2021, indicating relatively poor performance compared to other countries.

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