In an environment where trendy cafes, restaurants, and even public libraries are increasingly declaring themselves “child-free zones,” South Korean parents are feeling the squeeze.

“Whenever I go out with my son, I genuinely have no idea where to go,” said South Korean lawmaker Yong Hye-in while cradling her 23-month-old son during her address at the National Assembly on May 4th, a day before Children’s Day.

“We must abolish these zones and instead, adopt first-kids zones that give priority to kids and parents,” she pleaded.

Yong’s speech at the National Assembly came amid growing criticism about the soaring number of child-free