"Best mom" chosen as face of Korean currency

"Best mom" chosen as face of currency
Tue Nov 6, 2007 9:17am EST

SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea's central bank on Monday chose the face of Korean motherhood as the first woman to be featured on its banknotes, but women's rights groups say the selection only reinforces sexist stereotypes.

Shin Saimdang, known for raising a famed Confucian scholar and having a deft hand in painting, will grace the new 50,000 won ($55) note when it debuts in early 2009, the Bank of Korea said.

Women's groups say her selection bolsters the idea that mothers should stay at home and devote their lives to their children's education.

Shin, whose nickname is "wise mother," gave birth to the 16th-century scholar Yi I, also known by his pen name Yulgok. She is celebrated for placing her son on the path to fame.

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