S. Korean babies born Dec. 31 become 2-year-olds next day

[TomSea]

S. Korean babies born Dec. 31 become 2-year-olds next day




DAEJEON, South Korea — Just two hours after Lee Dong Kil's daughter was born on New Year's Eve, the clock struck midnight, 2019 was ushered in, and the infant became 2-years-old. She wasn't alone, though it happened for her quicker than most: Every baby born in South Korea last year became 2 on Jan. 1.

According to one of the world's most unusual age-calculating systems, South Korean babies become 1 on the day of their birth and then get an additional year tacked on when the calendar hits Jan. 1. A lawmaker is working now to overturn the centuries-old tradition amid complaints that it's an anachronistic, time-wasting custom that drags down an otherwise ultramodern country.

For parents whose babies are born in December, it can be especially painful. One hour after his daughter's birth in the central city of Daejeon at 10 p.m. on Dec. 31 of last year, Lee posted the news on social media. His friends immediately showered him with congratulatory messages.

Read more at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/s-korean-babies-born-dec-31-become-2-year-olds-next-day/ar-BBVRbn4?OCID=ansmsnnews11#image=BBVRbn4_1|2