More local banks are introducing optional "parental resignation" programs as part of their internal welfare measures in an effort to combat South Korea's persistently low birth rate. Woori Bank has recently received applications for parental resignations, guaranteeing re-employment, with 35 employees scheduled to resign at the end of the month to begin a maximum of two and a half years of unpaid child care leave. This initiative follows KB Kookmin Bank's implementation earlier this year, which saw 45 employees resign for child care reasons through the system. Eligible employees, who have worked for more than three years and have children aged seven or younger (13 or younger for children with disabilities), can apply for this program. KB Kookmin Bank offers up to three years of unpaid child care leave following parental resignation, while Woori Bank currently offers up to two and a half years, with plans to extend the period to three years in the future. Employees will be re-employed without any disadvantages as long as they express their desire to return, with their rank, salary, and career history prior to resignation being recognized. This optional parental resignation system, led by the financial sector, aims to address the low birth rate issue by enabling a better balance between work and family life without a permanent career interruption. However, some experts question the policy's effectiveness in actually ameliorating the low birth rate, emphasizing the need for a supportive work environment upon employees' return to the office. South Korea has been grappling with the world's lowest fertility rate for years, with the government anticipating a further decline in the coming years. Adblock test (Why?)