The pursuit of parenthood in South Korea has become a multifaceted and complex journey for many, as traditional family structures meet evolving societal norms and medical challenges. The country is grappling with a super-aged society, where over 20% of the population is aged 65 or older, and a startlingly low fertility rate of just 0.72, one of the lowest globally. Despite this, the desire for children remains strong but is increasingly confined to unconventional paths, as some individuals and couples face arduous journeys to parenthood.
The Struggles of IVF: A Woman’s Story
Kim Ju-gyeong, 38, is one such individual. After being diagnosed with “unexplained infertility,” she quit her job to undergo multiple rounds of in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF, which combines sperm and eggs outside the body to create an embryo that is later implanted in the uterus, has become a medical procedure many resort to in the face of infertility. However, Kim’s journey has been fraught with difficulties: seven rounds of IVF, five miscarriages, and the emotional toll of hormone injections, diet adjustments, and the exhaustion of repeated treatments.
The financial burden is also significant, with each round of IVF costing between 2 million and 3 million won (roughly $1,390 to $2,090). Kim’s story is not unique; many women in South Korea face similar struggles with infertility, a condition that, for some, disrupts not only their health but their social and professional lives.
Kim, who felt isolated in her battle, started sharing her experience through vlogs. Her online presence has since resonated with others going through the same struggles, creating a support network for women facing infertility. Despite the difficulties, Kim remains hopeful, wishing that those who desire children can one day experience the joy of parenthood.
Surrogacy: A Path to Parenthood for Same-Sex Couples
For some couples, such as Johnny Lee, a 44-year-old Korean American living in New York, surrogacy has been the path to parenthood. Along with his partner, Lee sought the help of a surrogate mother in 2017. The surrogacy process, which involved finding an egg donor, a surrogate, and fertilizing the eggs with the sperm of both partners, was a significant emotional, financial, and psychological investment. Despite facing societal backlash and criticism on social media, Lee advocates for embracing diverse family structures, stressing that parenthood is defined by love and commitment rather than conventional norms.
The financial cost of surrogacy in the U.S. can be astronomical, ranging from $70,000 to $100,000, a price tag that many would find prohibitive. However, for Lee and his partner, it was the only option to fulfill their dream of becoming parents. The two are now fathers to two boys, and they maintain a relationship with their surrogate, emphasizing the importance of supporting non-traditional family structures.
Non-Marital Childbirth: A Changing Attitude
South Korea’s perception of family is also evolving, as more women choose non-marital childbirth. Celebrities like Sayuri, a Japanese TV personality, and model Moon Ga-bi, have sparked conversations around single motherhood and non-marital childbearing.
Sayuri’s decision to have a child through a sperm bank in Japan in 2020 caused a stir, but it also helped normalize non-marital childbirth among Korean women. A survey found that 30.3% of respondents were supportive of non-marital childbirth, a sign of shifting attitudes towards family structures.
Ryu Ji-ho, a 29-year-old single mother raising her 4-year-old daughter, reflects this trend. Despite the economic hardships, she feels that raising her child alone is not as difficult as society might perceive. She notes that, for women who don’t want to marry, non-marital childbirth can be a viable option, provided they have the financial means to do so.
The Path Forward
The stories of Kim, Johnny, and Ryu reflect the changing landscape of parenthood in South Korea, where traditional family structures are increasingly giving way to unconventional routes, such as IVF, surrogacy, and non-marital childbirth. As the country faces an aging population and a declining birth rate, these personal journeys highlight the evolving nature of family life in modern South Korea, where love and commitment transcend traditional norms. However, they also raise questions about the accessibility and affordability of these options, and the need for societal and policy changes to support diverse family structures moving forward.
Related topics:
Payal Rohatgi and Sangram Singh Face Marriage Challenges Amid Parenting Struggles
Obesity and Fertility: Key Insights for Aspiring Parents
New Blood Test Offers Hope for Early Endometriosis Diagnosis
