Korea's first quintuplets in 34 years celebrate their first birthday

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Korea's first quintuplets in 34 years celebrate their first birthday

Published: 14 Nov. 2022, 15:47 Updated: 14 Nov. 2022, 15:49

The first set of quintuplets born in Korea in 34 years, the Kim siblings, pose for a photo with presents from First Lady Kim Keon-hee on Sunday. [YONHAP]

The first set of quintuplets born in Korea in 34 years celebrated their first birthday over the weekend.

The parents of the quintuplets, a military couple — Captain Seo Hye-jeong and Captain Kim Jin-su — held a first birthday party for their five children in Masan, South Gyeongsang on Saturday.

The quintuplets were born on Nov. 18 at Seoul National University Hospital in Seoul. The birth of a set of five is a rare case worldwide, and this set of quintuplets were the first born in Korea since 1987.

Of the five children, four are girls, and one is a boy. The four girls share the same syllable in their names — “Hyun,” meaning bright — and the boy has the word “Min” in his name, meaning strong.

Minister of Defense Lee Jong-sup sent a personal letter of congratulations to the parents, along with a gift of silver necklaces for the quintuplets.

A handwritten letter from First Lady Kim Keon-hee to the quintuplets and their parents. [YONHAP]

First Lady Kim Keon-hee also sent a hand-written letter along with wooden toys and a watch signed by President Yoon Suk-yeol.

“The warm interest and support of everyone for our children made it possible for the babies to grow up healthy,” said Captain Kim, the father of the quintuplets. “Our family would like to thank the minister, our colleagues at the division and everyone who congratulated us.”

Captain Seo Hye-jeong, left, and Captain Kim Jin-su, right, hold their quintuplet babies during the children's first birthday party on Saturday. [YONHAP]

Captain Seo said that her division has been helping her raise the children.

“My division let me leave work before 4 p.m. to take care of the children,” said Seo. “The children go to daycare at 8 a.m. and we pick them up at 4 p.m. Even after our maternity leave ends next week, we plan to raise our children together with the help of our parents and caregivers.”

BY LIM JEONG-WON [lim.jeongwon@joongang.co.kr]