[Editorial] Community spirit needed to tackle challenge of aging society

Yesterday, an agreement was signed to try to resolve problems in connection with South Korea’s low birth rate and rapid aging. The accord was seen as the first of its kind that included civic groups, business circles, labor organizations, and the government working together on the issue. The agreement between all of these groups means the issue truly matters to all of us. In fact, none of us would oppose a solution if he or she wants to see the sustainable development of our society in place.

The agreement includes various plans, including expansion of state-run child-care facilities and revision of the wage system, the mandatory retirement age, and the pension system. Besides the work the government is to do, each sector of our society, such as businesses, labor groups, religious organizations, and women’s and civic groups pledged to attempt to tackle the issue. However, some plans, such as a social movement for encouraging marriage and filial piety, raise questions as to the feasibility of their implementation. A plan to force companies to allow male employees to take childbirth vacations is also questionable. With a few controversial proposals in the agreement, the worry is that the government is unlikely to implement its part of the deal if it fails to secure enough of a budget.

However, an unquestionable feature of the agreement is a willingness from our society to resolve these problems. Under the same context, if the agreement’s countermeasures are successful, all members of our society, not just those who signed on yesterday, would have the same willingness to help. If most of our society sees the countermeasures as pessimistic or skeptical, no success will be gained. So, what is at stake is a true community spirit.

In particular, a concession from the rich is necessary. If everyone keeps the spirit of the community in mind, it may not be a problem to collect extra taxes to fund the necessary programs.

Expanding the scope of community demands further serious consideration, though such an expansion may not materialize easily in the short term. If we see the earth as one community, it may be perceived as selfish for developed nations to increase their birth rates. There is no reason for us to resolve the low birth rate problem with “our own blood.” If we accept the many immigrant workers on our soil without discrimination, more will be eager to work here. If we recognize immigrants as members of our community and society, it may not be difficult to find a solution to the problem. What is truly needed is not just a community spirit, but an open-minded one.