In 2025, South Korea is introducing transformative policies to tackle low birth rates and enhance protections for vulnerable groups. The government is implementing groundbreaking measures, including the introduction of the child support advance payment system, expanded childcare services, and strengthened support for victims of digital sexual crimes.
1. Launch of the Child Support Advance Payment System
Starting this July, the government will roll out the child support advance payment system, a significant step for single-parent families. Under this initiative, the state will prepay child support to eligible families and reclaim the amount from the non-custodial parent.
Key Features:
- Increased Support: Monthly child support for low-income single-parent families will rise from KRW 210,000 to KRW 230,000.
- Faster Enforcement: The grace period for disclosing the names of child support defaulters is shortened from three months to 10 days, ensuring quicker responses.
2. Policies for Work-Life Balance and Addressing Low Birth Rates
Expanded Childcare Services
The government has increased the eligibility threshold for subsidized childcare from 150% to 200% of the median household income, supporting approximately 120,000 families this year. Grandparents caring for grandchildren with mild disabilities will also qualify for allowances. Additionally, caregiver wages will increase, including extra pay for caring for infants under 36 months.
Women’s Economic Empowerment
Employment support programs for women include expanding vocational training for high-demand jobs and offering retention incentives to businesses employing women returning to work after a career break.
3. Tackling Digital Sexual Crimes and New Forms of Violence
Expanded Victim Support
The scope of digital sexual crime assistance now covers personal information leaks, alongside non-consensual filming. Victim support services will be centralized under a unified hotline, '1366,' ensuring timely and effective help.
Support for Victims of Stalking and Intimate Partner Violence
The government is increasing emergency housing options for victims, providing customized shelters and financial aid for independent living. Policies also include distributing manuals to prevent secondary victimization.
4. Strengthening Youth Safety Nets
Support for At-Risk Youth
- The self-reliance allowance for youth leaving care facilities will increase from KRW 400,000 to KRW 500,000 per month.
- Financial support of KRW 2 million will be provided for vocational training.
Educational Opportunities
Digital skill-building programs and career-focused training are being expanded for out-of-school youth. Additionally, sanitary product vouchers for disadvantaged female students will increase from KRW 13,000 to KRW 14,000 monthly.
5. Promoting Family-Friendly Workplace Cultures
Support for SMEs
The government will simplify the family-friendly certification process for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and expand associated incentives. Leadership and HR diversity training will also grow to foster work-life balance in corporate environments.
6. How 2025 Policies Will Impact Daily Life
The South Korean government aims to address pressing issues, such as low birth rates and social inequality, through its 2025 policies. These measures underscore the nation’s commitment to creating a safer, more inclusive society where families and individuals thrive.
Source: Korea Policy Briefing (www.korea.kr)
