특집 다큐멘터리- 가족의 탄생 - 가족의 탄생_#003

Overview

The documentary focuses on how Korean family law and registration rules can leave children—especially those born to unmarried or divorced parents—without immediate basic rights and protections.

Birth Registration Barriers and Real-World Consequences

The film opens with the story of Sarang and her father, Park Ji-hwan. It describes how a child may not be properly registered at birth when the mother is not legally present/recognized for registration purposes. As a result, the child may lack a resident registration number and health insurance.

Park responds publicly: he walks the streets pushing a stroller, urging awareness and documenting cases to help others facing similar legal exclusion.

“Sarang-i Law” and Its Limited Impact

The documentary explains that an amendment to the Family Registration Act (referred to as the “Sarang-i Law,” effective from late 2015) allowed divorced fathers to register their children’s births.

However, registration remains difficult because the law requires fathers not to know the child’s mother’s personal information. Because of this, fathers must seek permission through the Family Court, where courts continue to demand justification and proof.

Support Network for Unmarried/Divorced Fathers

As Sarang’s case gained attention, other fathers sought help. Park Ji-hwan formed the Unmarried Fathers Association and created a small space and phone support system to guide people through urgent situations and the legal/administrative hurdles involved.

Case Studies of Ongoing Harm

The documentary presents additional families to show how the discrimination persists:

• A father whose daughter’s birth registration is still unresolved continues a lawsuit, while the child remains in a temporary administrative status (e.g., attending daycare after a temporary arrangement through a district office).
• Another father raises a child alone after the mother leaves early, facing financial strain and mental health stress—highlighting the broader social and psychological burden created by institutional exclusion.
• The film emphasizes that welfare support cannot fully replace the fact that some children are treated as if they are not fully citizens, and therefore do not receive basic rights “from birth.”

Legal Advocacy and Attempts to Expand Protections

Park Ji-hwan meets with lawyers to pursue further legal action. The documentary outlines strategies including:

• Advocating for stalled legislative change, including a bill reflecting situations where the father cannot satisfy the “mother’s information” conditions.
• Filing criminal petitions aimed at protecting children who experienced discrimination.
• Considering constitutional appeals, focusing on cases where the mother’s relatives are not involved and seeking a stricter interpretation of the law to prevent ongoing discrimination.

Broader Social Movement for Diverse Families

The documentary ends by placing these legal struggles within a wider movement to recognize diverse family forms. It references public forums and campaigns promoting broader acceptance of family diversity, policy expansions, and efforts to ensure rights are not limited by family structure.

Presenters / Contributors

• Park Ji-hwan — Sarang’s father; founder/leader of the Unmarried Fathers Association
• Unmarried Fathers Association (as represented through Park’s activities)
• A lawyer / legal team (law office meeting; unnamed)