First lady Kim Jung-sook participated in an event held in Stockholm’s Humlegården where she met with 13 latte papas and children to discuss issues related to paternal leave. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jun. 17 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s first lady Kim Jung-sook, accompanying President Moon Jae-in on a state visit to Sweden, met with Swedish men on paternal leave, known as “latte papas.”
The term first originated in Sweden, famous for men’s active participation in childcare.
Kim participated in an event held in Stockholm’s Humlegården on Jun. 14 (local time) where she met with 13 latte papas and children to discuss issues related to paternal leave.
“People frequently refer to childcare as war, but the latte papas I met today knew how much it’s worth,” said the first lady. “Fathers are not ‘extras’ in childcare, but one of the two main characters.”
She added, “Children should be raised by both parents, as well as the state,” she added. “Fathers should also be loved by their children as they raise them.”
During the discussion on Swedish childcare policy, the first lady explained that South Korean men are still afraid of going on paternal leave lest they be seen as those who are left behind in terms of success.
“Parental leave, however, is necessary, and I hope that South Korean men would not hesitate to go on paternal leave for their children,” she said.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
SEOUL, Jun. 17 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s first lady Kim Jung-sook, accompanying President Moon Jae-in on a state visit to Sweden, met with Swedish men on paternal leave, known as “latte papas.”
The term first originated in Sweden, famous for men’s active participation in childcare.
Kim participated in an event held in Stockholm’s Humlegården on Jun. 14 (local time) where she met with 13 latte papas and children to discuss issues related to paternal leave.
“People frequently refer to childcare as war, but the latte papas I met today knew how much it’s worth,” said the first lady. “Fathers are not ‘extras’ in childcare, but one of the two main characters.”
She added, “Children should be raised by both parents, as well as the state,” she added. “Fathers should also be loved by their children as they raise them.”
During the discussion on Swedish childcare policy, the first lady explained that South Korean men are still afraid of going on paternal leave lest they be seen as those who are left behind in terms of success.
“Parental leave, however, is necessary, and I hope that South Korean men would not hesitate to go on paternal leave for their children,” she said.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
