May is known as the month of family and gratitude in South Korea. Children’s Day and Parent’s Day are celebrated in May to highlight the value of family in people’s lives, emphasizing the spirit of love, unity, and solidarity that keeps families together. As South Korea observes one of the lowest fertility rates in the world, and a rapidly ageing population, we at UNFPA are keen to hear the perspectives of youth on their future family life and desired fertility, to be inspired by them. UNFPA engaged in discussions with four youth currently engaged in an internship program at the UNFPA Representation Office in Seoul to learn more about young people’s views on families, careers, and their desire to have children. According to their inspirational stories, young people, families become stronger and healthier when there is a true balance in life, when both partners – women and men – have equal opportunities to realize career aspirations and family goals, and when society shares a culture of happiness.

Harim Jo, 23, calls for equality in workplace and childcare

"I do plan to marry and have children – at least two, if possible – when the time comes. Building a family has always been a dream of mine," said Harim Jo, 23 years old. A native of the United States, she moved back to Korea together with her family when she was 6, and now aspires to continue her education at a law school in the US. "Since I am planning to continue my studies, which will take at least 3 years, I realistically see myself having a family and children in my early to mid-thirties," she says.

Harim Jo doesn’t feel the pressure of her parents and grandparents to marry and have children, who in turn encourage her to pursue education. “The first and foremost expectation from me is to achieve a successful career and then discuss marriage and childbirth.”

Asked about her views on declining fertility in Korea, Harim Jo recognizes the issue is a difficult one. "It's not good or bad, but it's alarming that the population is decreasing so rapidly," she says. "I think that beyond financial incentives, there are more serious concerns to be addressed by our society. It's about what happens after the child is born. How childcare is divided between parents, how supportive to working parents – both moms and dads - is the office environment, and how fathers are engaged. I wish that in our society men engaged with kids at home would be a norm, and not an exception," the young student confesses.

Jiwhang Yoo, 21, advocates for careers that allows youth to enjoy hobbies and family time 

Born in Seoul and raised without siblings, Jiwhang Yoo highlights the "workism" culture that consumes much of the energy of young couples.

“There’s simply a lack of funds at a younger age, while stress and work are likely to take away any desire of having children at an older age,” he says.

Jiwhang is proud of the tremendous development progress his country has made in recent decades. However, he suggests that society's emphasis on careers may promote an "every man for himself" mentality. “I think young people should be given more breathing room to cultivate a positive mindset and better chart their futures.”

Unlike many of his peers, Jiwhang is determined to embrace a different culture, by adopting a more balanced approach in his own life. “I do not aspire for a lofty career, but rather one with adequate income and good work-life balance for me to enjoy my hobbies. And I am open to the idea of having children one day, when the right person comes along,” he shares.

Minjin Cho, 23, speaks up for increased attention to youth mental health

Minjin Cho, 23, reflects on the issue of families and children rooted in the idea of the real needs of the young generation. 

A student in the field of regional economics and demographics, who is eager to continue research in this area, Minjin is convinced that families and fertility shouldn’t be seen as a matter of money or numbers only. Instead, the young girl advocates for programs that respond to young people’s pressing needs – employment opportunities and emotional well-being.

“Many young Koreans struggle to secure stable and fulfilling jobs, leading to uncertainty about their future. We need initiatives that promote job creation, support entrepreneurship, and provide adequate social safety nets to protect those facing economic hardships”, Minjin explains. 

Furthermore, she thinks that mental health and well-being of young people should be prioritized to increase their emotional resilience. Enhancing access to mental health services, reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness, and promoting mental wellness in schools and communities is a must.

“If young people can become materially and mentally stable, they will be happier. And if they are happy enough, they will naturally want to have families and children," concludes Minjin, reflecting on her own family aspirations – I hope to get married in my mid-thirties – ideally at 34, but I do not want to have children for now.”

Seohui, 24, calls for “balance” in leading a happy life

Seohui, 24, who was born in Yeosu, one of the southern port cities in Korea, shares similar ideas and values with her peers. 

She dreams of pursuing education, whether in Korea or abroad, and is entirely comfortable with living independently to explore work and new environments. She is happy to have the backup of her family, who supports and nurtures her dreams. 

For Seohui, above all the words “balance” and “happiness” are key.

“I personally believe that the most important thing is to create a society where every young person can be happy. It is important to meet people's needs and relieve their burden of life with financial support, but ultimately, we would be able to solve various social problems including low fertility when we consider how to make a happy country first.”

“I believe that one of the most crucial things for young people is to have a 'balance'. For example, we can think about the importance of it through a newly coined word, 'work-life balance' which means a balance between work and his or her own life after work. The country must find ways to keep balance - the balance between raising children and continuing to have careers, the balance between studying and taking a rest, etc. - in young people's lives. Now it is time to think about how we can achieve this kind of social environment for the happier lives of young people”, concludes the young girl.

These young voices have a message: young people need jobs that let them have families, and a culture that values happiness over success. It won't be easy, but young people are determined to build a future in which having families and realizing reproductive rights is something everyone can do.