Human Rights Commission Recommends Training for Jindo Mayor over "Importing Foreign Women" Remark

"Concerns Raised Over Objectification of Marriage-Migrant Women"

Commission Recommends Gender Sensitivity Education

The National Human Rights Commission of Korea has pointed out that Heesu Kim, mayor of Jindo County in Jeonnam, needs to undergo human rights education to improve gender sensitivity after controversy erupted over his description of foreign women as "import targets."

On June 11, the National Human Rights Commission of Korea announced that it had expressed the opinion that Mayor Kim should complete human rights education, including programs to enhance gender and multicultural sensitivity, and recommended that he review all policies supporting migrant women and multicultural families in the county from a gender equality perspective. In addition, the Commission conveyed its view to the president of the Association of Korean Mayors, Governors, and District Chiefs that it would be desirable to provide related training to all members.

Heesu Kim, former Jindo County Governor, Jindo County

Back in February, during an event discussing measures to address population decline, Mayor Kim remarked, "We need special measures, such as importing young women from Sri Lanka or Vietnam to marry rural bachelors." In response, a citizen filed a petition with the Human Rights Commission, claiming that his remarks amounted to misogyny and racial discrimination. During the Commission's investigation, Mayor Kim admitted that although his intention was to promote the sustainability of rural and fishing communities, his comments failed to align with principles of cultural sensitivity and gender equality. He apologized and pledged to prevent a recurrence.

The Human Rights Commission’s Committee for the Correction of Discrimination dismissed the petition, stating that the complainant did not suffer direct harm, but acknowledged there were problems with the content of the remarks. The Commission pointed out that referring to the marriage migration of foreign women as "importing" implies viewing people as objects or labor that can be procured. It further noted that mentioning foreign women as a solution to the marriage issues of rural men failed to sufficiently consider women's autonomy and dignity.

A representative of the Human Rights Commission stated, "Rural population decline and marriage issues stem from complex social and structural factors, and a human rights-based approach is needed, such as strengthening local community foundations and protecting the rights and interests of marriage-migrant women." The representative added, "Local government leaders with public responsibilities must be especially careful with their language, taking into account their social influence."

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