I’ve followed stories in The Korea Times about Korean culture. Issues such as loneliness and isolation are an increasing problem. There have been tragedies concerning the suicide of famous and non-famous Koreans and how lonely were their lives. I read a column that Koreans prefer to be home alone nowadays instead of enjoying traditional holiday celebrations with family members. In December, another story said there were 540,000 isolated Korean young people (ages 19 to 34). Many retreat to a virtual world. Most have contemplated or attempted suicide.

Korean society is advanced. But it’s an advanced society predicated on “ppalli, ppalli.” High educational achievement and linear success models that don’t suit everybody. The same holds true in America and other societies.

Likewise, it saddens me that many elderly Koreans are “home alone.” Many face housing insecurity. Young adults have long since left multi-generational households. Young adults delay or don’t marry. They have few or no children. The generations thin down, leaving many elders on their own. The old and the young join faces in a sad situation, again not just in Korea.

Divorces have risen in Korea and other advanced societies.........

© The Korea Times