gettyimagesbank
As of November last year, three in 10 people taking parental leave were men, a record high and a 20 percent increase from the previous year, according to the Ministry of Employment and Labor on Monday. The number of male workers taking parental leave is expected to surpass 40,000 for the first time when December's figures are included.
The labor ministry said 39,463 male workers in the private sector took parental leaves between January and November last year, reflecting a 19.9 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023. The figure covers those eligible for parental leave benefits under the nation's employment insurance system, which doesn't include government officials, teachers or self-employed individuals who are not covered by insurance.
The number of male workers taking parental leave has shown steady growth over the past five years, surpassing 20,000 for the first time in 2019 and exceeding 30,000 in 2022. The figures have continued to rise, with 27,421 in 2020, 29,041 in 2021, 37,884 in 2022, 35,336 in 2023 and 39,463 from January to November last year.
Including December's data, the number of men taking parental leave likely surpassed 40,000 for the first time.
The proportion of men taking parental leave has steadily increased each year, reaching 31.7 percent between January and November last year. Men accounted for 24.4 percent of parental leave in 2020, rising to 26.2 percent in 2021, 28.9 percent in 2022 and 28 percent in 2023.
A newborn rests in an infant care unit of a postnatal center in Seoul, April 24, 2024. Newsis
The ministry attributes the rising number of men taking parental leave to improved and expanded systems supporting work-family balance, which foster a culture of shared parental responsibility. In particular, the ministry highlighted the significant impact of income support programs for parents who take leaves simultaneously.
A new system, introduced in January last year, allows parents with children under 18 months to receive their full salary for the first six months if both take parental leave. The initiative aims to address income concerns, previously seen as a major barrier to parental leave.
Within just six months of its implementation, the new system exceeded the total of 35,336 parental leave recipients in 2023, reaching a record high of 48,781 recipients.
The government believes that increasing male participation in parenting is a key strategy to address the country's seriously low birthrate. With more women entering the workforce, the involvement of fathers in child care is seen as a critical factor in supporting the economic and social activities of mothers.
The labor ministry announced its plans to raise parental leave benefits to a maximum of 2.5 million won ($1,700) and extend paternity leave from 10 days to 20 days.
"Enhancements to the parental leave system and expanded wage support are fostering a culture of shared parenting," said an official from the ministry. "This shift will play a significant role in tackling the low birthrate issue.”