09.02.2026 16:33
The ruling Democratic Party (DP) in South Korea has decided to expel Jindo County Mayor Kim Hee-su due to controversial remarks regarding the "importation of women" from abroad to combat declining birth rates.
The ruling Democratic Party (DP) in South Korea took action following the controversial statements made by Jindo County head Kim Hee-su, which drew significant public backlash. The party leadership unanimously decided to expel Kim from the party.
"IMPORTING WOMEN" STATEMENT DREW REACTIONS
According to a report by Yonhap, Kim Hee-su argued that in order to combat the declining birth rates in the country, women should be "imported" from abroad. Kim suggested bringing "young women from Vietnam and Sri Lanka" so that young men living in rural areas of South Korea could get married.
APOLOGIZED, BUT REACTIONS CONTINUED
After the statements resonated in the public and international arena, Kim Hee-su apologized. However, the backlash did not stop there.
OFFICIAL PROTEST FROM VIETNAM
The Vietnamese Embassy in Seoul sent an official protest letter to South Korean authorities, objecting to Kim's remarks. It was emphasized that the statements were discriminatory and degrading.
DEMOCRATIC PARTY: EXPULSION DECISION MADE UNANIMOUSLY
Following the developments, the Democratic Party announced that the decision to expel Kim Hee-su from the party was made unanimously. The party leadership stated that the statements in question were inconsistent with the party's values.