Kim Hee-soo, head of Jindo County in South Korea, was expelled from his party after suggesting the country should "import young women" from Vietnam and Sri Lanka to increase its low birth rate. He made the comments during a televised town hall, saying these women could marry "young men in rural areas." South Korea has one of the lowest birth rates worldwide, risking a population drop from 50 million to half in 60 years. The statement caused a diplomatic protest from Vietnam and angered many. Attempts by Kim to apologize, saying the language was "inappropriate" but intended to help rural population issues, did not calm the backlash. The ruling Democratic Party’s Supreme Council voted unanimously to expel him. South Jeolla Province also issued a formal apology for causing "deep pain to Vietnamese people and to women." The Vietnamese Embassy in Seoul criticized Kim’s words on Facebook, saying his remarks reflect troubling values and attitudes toward migrant women and minorities. Sri Lanka has not publicly responded. Women and migrant rights activists plan a protest outside Jindo County Office. South Korea’s birth rate is below one child per woman. The ageing and shrinking population may lead to fewer workers and economic challenges in future decades.