In South Korea, a couple in their sixties has raised 8 daughters and 5 sons, creating a unique and harmonious large family. The age gap between the eldest and the youngest is 20 years. Due to the family’s uniqueness, they have participated in various TV programs and commercials in South Korea.
The couple, Kim Seok-tae (66 years old) and Yeon Gwi-suk (61 years old), who reside in Gwi-myeon, Gyeongsangbuk-do, got married in 1986. Initially, they planned to have one daughter or a set of twins. In their second year of marriage, they welcomed their first daughter as planned.
However, more little lives unexpectedly entered their arms one after another. Yeon Gwi-suk recalled, “After giving birth to our second daughter, we did not intend to have more children. We were shocked when we found out about the third one. Considering the policy at the time in South Korea where the third child was not eligible for medical insurance, we had concerns. But we ultimately welcomed our third son with gratitude.”
After raising two daughters, the couple found different joys in raising boys and felt fulfilled in life. However, Yeon Gwi-suk got unexpectedly pregnant with their fourth child, leaving the young couple stunned. They realized that the number of children was not something they could control. To them, each little life was a gift from God.
“We started to understand that the number of children we have is not up to us. Each little life is a gift from God. If God gives us a child, He will pave the way for that child. Despite feeling physically exhausted, the happiness we gained spiritually was indescribable,” Yeon Gwi-suk said.
“We gave up on planning the number of children. We will have as many children as God gives us. We never thought about contraception. When it’s time for us to stop having children, nature will take its course,” she added.
Yeon Gwi-suk had heard that with more children, the pregnancy discomfort like morning sickness would lessen, and the delivery would become smoother. However, her experience was the opposite. Each pregnancy came with severe morning sickness, and every childbirth was a torment for her.
During the birth of their 12th child, Yeon Gwi-suk’s cervix was swollen, making natural delivery impossible. Although doctors recommended a caesarean section, she insisted on a natural birth for the sake of the child’s well-being.
In 2007, their last daughter was born. During the delivery, Yeon Gwi-suk faced excruciating pains, and eventually underwent a caesarean section on the doctor’s advice due to the risks involved.
After some time, while taking care of her husband who was ill in a critical care unit, Yeon Gwi-suk discovered she was pregnant again. However, the family faced challenges as many children needed care, and her husband was hospitalized. She prayed sincerely for help from God.
A few months later, her pregnancy symptoms disappeared, indicating a natural miscarriage had occurred. Since then, the family’s mission of welcoming new life came to an end.
Kim Seok-tae, a local pastor, and Yeon Gwi-suk cherished every life that entered their home due to their faith. Yeon Gwi-suk expressed, “Both of us are devout Christians. Whether we bear children or not is God’s will, and we accept it with gratitude…Every child is our most precious treasure.”
Abortion legalization in South Korea has long been a controversial topic. Despite the challenges they faced, the couple raising 13 children never entertained the idea of abortion. “Life is not created by us; it is a gift from God. Treating children as a burden is a crime,” Yeon Gwi-suk emphasized.
Due to low birth rates in South Korea, the government provides cash, housing, medical, and transportation assistance to couples having multiple children. However, the couple did not receive such support, managing to raise their children solely with their own efforts.
Yeon Gwi-suk noted that even though the financial burden of raising multiple children was great, they never worried about it due to their faith. “If God gives us children, He will be responsible for them. If our children have good health, there’s no need to visit hospitals, and medical expenses are not a concern,” she shared.
Despite gaining attention through TV programs, the couple faced criticism. Yeon Gwi-suk reflected, “During a time when low birth rates were not a societal issue, many people criticized us for having so many children. This made me exhausted. In 2003, I did not want to appear on TV programs anymore. However, with the growing concern over low birth rates, we resumed participation to raise awareness.”
In traditional Korean culture, the joy of a large family and close emotional bonds have faded in modern times, but Yeon Gwi-suk expressed their love for traditional values and the happiness brought by their large family.
In their upbringing, the couple focused on instilling virtues of independence, humility, sacrifice, and cherishing others in their children, valuing human values over academic success. The family environment has been described as a source of happiness that cannot be experienced by all.
Though the family faced financial constraints due to their large size, their situation improved slightly after the birth of their 9th child. They began to receive invitations to TV programs, and their story gained recognition. The couple’s diligence in raising their children garnered admiration, including from TV production staff who marveled at their family dynamics.
Yeon Gwi-suk often speaks to young adults in her community about the joy of having a large family and the responsibilities that come with it. She emphasizes the importance of siblings supporting and caring for each other, a benefit not easily found in smaller families.
As for their thoughts on current demographics, Yeon Gwi-suk acknowledged the challenges faced by today’s youth in imagining the responsibilities of caring for them in old age. She stressed the need for mutual support among siblings and instilling values of family responsibility.
Despite not having received government assistance, the couple never complained, showing gratitude for the country’s evolving policies and potentially being a catalyst for change. Yeon Gwi-suk hopes to inspire a shift in the younger generation’s perspective on family and child-rearing.
After celebrating her 60th birthday, the family’s youngest daughter is nearing adulthood. Growing up in such a unique family, the children have a unique perspective on their upbringing. Yeon Gwi-suk shared that despite the challenges, her children take pride in welcoming new siblings.
South Korea’s declining birth rates have raised concerns, with reasons including rising living costs and worries about children’s future prospects. Yeon Gwi-suk believes that the younger generation needs to reassess their views on family and nurture a sense of responsibility towards their parents.
Yeon Gwi-suk continues to share her family’s story and values with the community, spreading the message that children are a source of joy and not a burden. She believes in the power of family unity and responsibilities shared among siblings.
To her, the happiness and fulfillment derived from bearing children are priceless. She reiterated that the feeling of happiness outweighs the challenges and sacrifices made, reflecting on the blessings of having experienced it 13 times.
With their children grown and leading independent lives, Kim Seok-tae and Yeon Gwi-suk remain in their original home. The family embraces a warm and harmonious atmosphere, showcasing the beauty of a united family bond.
Despite the financial challenges, the couple’s educational methods have fostered a cohesive family environment where siblings willingly aid and rely on each other. Yeon Gwi-suk noted the benefits of having a larger family in mutual support and sharing responsibilities, creating a nurturing atmosphere.
In discussions with the youth, Yeon Gwi-suk stresses the importance of cherishing family bonds and the privilege of having siblings. She highlights the unique experiences and support system that come with being part of a large family.
Through their example of unity and support, Kim Seok-tae and Yeon Gwi-suk have created an environment where mutual help and care among siblings are natural. The family’s story serves as a reminder of the virtues and joys found in a harmonious and close-knit family.
The couple’s dedication to fostering a strong familial bond has left a lasting impact on their children, who have grown up in an environment of love and mutual support. Yeon Gwi-suk’s advocacy for the benefits of a large family stands as a testament to the enduring value of traditional family values in modern society.