In 2014, a remark made by the Director General of the Ministry of Health and Welfare about introducing a "tax penalty" for single people or "singles tax" sparked intense criticism and backlash. 

Many in public offices and politics dismissed it as an impractical and vote-losing idea. However, an interesting shift has occurred, as discussions surrounding the implementation of a "singles tax" have gained traction within private spheres, particularly online communities.

Supporters of the singles tax have put forth two key arguments in its favor. Firstly, they highlight the urgent need to safeguard the survival of the state and the community. South Korea has the lowest birth rate in the world with a fertility rate of 0.78 in 2022 (a fertility rate of 2.1 is needed if you don't want a decreasing population). With a worrisome decline in birth rates, there's growing concern that the nation's future is at risk. Some argue that even if it means resorting to a punitive measure, the singles tax should be introduced urgently.

The second main reason stems from an issue of equity. Advocates claim that singles may become dependent on the children of others as they age. This perceived imbalance in social support is deemed unfair to those who have children of their own.

How much public opinion is in favor of the single tax? 

'Anyway, Weekend' recently conducted a public survey via SM C&C's polling platform, 'Tillian Pro,' seeking the public's viewpoints on topics such as singlehood, non-marriage tax, and low birth rates. The survey, which was carried out last month, garnered responses from a diverse age range of 4,015 participants, spanning from their 20s to 50s.

When asked about their opinions on the introduction of the single tax or non-child tax, 21% of all respondents were in favor. 16% of those in their 30s, who could immediately become the subjects of this tax if it is introduced, were uncertain, and those in their 50s had the highest approval rate at 26%. Noh Jeong Tae, an expert at the Economic and Social Research Institute, said, "The approval rating is higher than expected, but it is interpreted that public opinion is focusing more on solving the actual economic problem of low birth rates than the single's tax."

The majority of experts are under the impression that “the problem of low birth rates cannot be solved with a single tax.” However, those in favor tended to view it as a “means of equity” rather than punishment. 33% of those in favor stated, “Adults who are single or childless should bear the burden in advance because they receive help from the government in their old age.”

However, experts pointed out, “On the contrary, it is a perception that deepens the low birth rate.” Noh Jeong Tae said, “The logic that the elderly should be supported by their children, not the government or social system, is an overreaching approach" and added, "We have to face that this kind of familism is one of the main reasons that currently prevent marriage and childbirth in Korea."

Netizens added their two cents on this matter by stating, "Shouldn't people with children be given tax reductions? Instead of single people being taxed with a penalty?" "This just popped up in my mind; would infertile people receive an exemption to this tax?" "Does this apply to the president? He doesn't have kids," "They used to give you money to have kids, but now the government is going to threaten, saying you'll get penalized if you don't have children?" "This is so crazy; they're thinking of all sorts of ways now," and "This is so comical. A single's tax?"