Changwon Mayoral Candidate Song Sunho: "Changwon City Must Take Responsibility for Marriage, Childbirth, and Childcare"

Song Sunho, a preliminary candidate for mayor of Changwon Special City in Gyeongnam from the Democratic Party of Korea, has unveiled his policy initiatives addressing low birth rates through integrated approaches to marriage, childbirth, and childcare.

On May 6, at a press conference held at the city hall press center, Song stated, "I am here today to present Changwon-style policies for addressing low birth rates that encompass the entire process from marriage to childbirth and childcare."

He further remarked, "Right now, Changwon is facing a crisis as young people are leaving and the sound of children is fading. The reality in which people hesitate to get married and give up on having children is no longer just a matter of personal choice, but has become an issue that society must take responsibility for."

He emphasized, "I will definitely reverse the trend of population decline in Changwon through practical support policies that cover every stage of life—from marriage to childbirth and childcare."

Song Sunho, a preliminary candidate for the Changwon Special City Mayor from the Democratic Party of Korea, is announcing policy pledges.
Photo by Se Ryeong Lee

First, Song pledged to provide 1 million won in wedding expenses support for young couples, 500,000 won in postpartum care expenses support for all families with newborns, and the establishment of public postpartum care centers.

He also proposed expanding the current discounts on public facility usage fees, which are limited to families with multiple children, to include families with one child.

In addition, he promised to expand nighttime childcare, strengthen the infant care functions of small daycare centers, abolish income requirements and extend the payment period to two years for the grandchild care allowance, establish comprehensive childcare support centers in each district, and provide 500,000 won in support for young people obtaining a driver's license.

He stated, "While some of these benefits may be provided through local currency, most will be given in cash," adding, "They can be sufficiently supported within the budget of Changwon City."

He also explained, "These pledges were developed based on suggestions received from citizens during meetings and discussions. They are linked to preventing population outflow by encouraging young people to stay in Changwon and addressing the low birth rate issue."

Song concluded, "These proposals come from my conviction that Changwon must take responsibility for childbirth, parenting, and care to the greatest extent possible. I will transform Changwon from a city that young people leave to one where they stay and plan their futures, and from a city where it is difficult to have and raise children to one where people want to have and raise children."

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