Lee Gaeho: "Incentives Needed for Local Governments Succeeding in Preventing Regional Extinction"

Yeonggwang County Maintains Highest Total Fertility Rate in Korea for Six Consecutive Years
A Model for Revitalizing Local Communities Amid Population Decline

Lee Gaeho, member of the Democratic Party of Korea.

Lee Gaeho, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea representing Damyang, Hampyeong, Yeonggwang, and Jangseong in South Jeolla Province, issued a press release on August 11, urging the government to swiftly introduce an incentive system at the national level for local governments that have achieved success with their population policies in order to prevent regional extinction.

According to data presented by Lee, Yeonggwang County has drawn attention as a case of restoring regional vitality by implementing proactive policies to prevent regional extinction, recording a net population inflow increase of 1,693 people over the past year despite the nationwide trend of population decline. In addition, Yeonggwang County has maintained the highest total fertility rate in the country for six consecutive years (1.72 in 2024), despite the crisis of population decline caused by low birth rates and an aging population, and is regarded as a successful model for local population policy.

Yeonggwang County, which in 2018 became the first in the country to establish a dedicated department for population policy, has pursued customized policies covering all stages from marriage and childbirth to childrearing. In particular, the county has focused on three core areas: housing support, direct cash support for childbirth and childrearing, and expansion of public childcare facilities as well as improvement of working conditions for childcare teachers. As a result, the county has achieved tangible outcomes.

The issue of population decline is difficult to resolve through the efforts of local governments alone, making strategic incentives and institutional support at the national level essential. However, the current system makes it difficult to reward performance, and in the case of Yeonggwang County, despite ranking first for six consecutive years, the only recognition it has received is a presidential commendation, with no substantial incentives provided.

Accordingly, there are calls for an incentive system based on performance and a sustainable financial support framework to encourage the continued implementation of local population policies.

Lee stated, "Since population policies to prevent the extinction of local communities have their limitations when pursued solely by local governments, it is urgent to introduce government-level incentives," adding, "I will do my utmost to establish institutional support so that Yeonggwang County's successful example can be expanded beyond South Jeolla Province to the entire country."

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