A South Korean official has been expelled from his ruling party after suggesting that the country should “import young women” from Vietnam or Sri Lanka to marry young men in rural areas and boost the nation’s declining birth-rate.
Kim Hee-soo, head of southern Jindo County, made the controversial remark during a town hall last week aimed at discussing a potential merger between Jindo County and a nearby city. The statement, which was televised, immediately provoked public anger and drew a diplomatic protest from Vietnam.
Kim later apologised, claiming his comment was intended to highlight population challenges in rural regions, but admitted that his language was “inappropriate.” South Jeolla Province also issued a formal apology, acknowledging that the remarks had “caused deep pain to Vietnamese people and to women.”
The Vietnamese Embassy in Seoul condemned the statement, noting it reflected concerning values and attitudes towards migrant women and minority groups. Sri Lanka’s authorities have not publicly commented.
Following the controversy, the Democratic Party’s Supreme Council unanimously voted to expel Kim, a party spokesperson confirmed on Monday.
Activists for women and migrant rights are reportedly planning a rally in front of the Jindo County Office on Tuesday in response to the comments.
