In addition to a falling birth rate, Korea is also seeing a big decline in marriages. The main reason cited for not being interested in marriage is money. I actually find this surprising. In my mind having two people working in the same household means greater financial stability than one person trying to support themselves alone. But, if you dive a bit deeper it may also be tied to the number of young people in Korea who still live with their parents.
It's rather common for Koreans to remain in the family home much later than Americans. Mega-star Ji Chang-wook still happily lives with his mom at the age of 36. He's says he doesn't know what she'd do at night if he weren't there. (She could watch Kdramas like me...) This contrasts wildly from my situation. I am happy to live alone and say to myself 'please, please don't have the kids move back in with me!' This is definitely a cultural differences between the two countries. Maybe that Confucian focus on filial duty and respect comes into play but I don't think my adult kids would really enjoy being around me all the time... [Naturally I would be charming and accommodating if that were to happen so long as they stop using 500 glasses every time they drop by; I mean can't they re-use a glass for one day???]
And that brings me back to the money question. IF Koreans are still living at home they are getting the benefits of a shared financial household and thus going out on their own would be financially more burdensome. But it still doesn't make sense to me.
So what else could it be? I think the role of women comes into play even though it's not mentioned much in studies. Per Kdramas, women are absolutely more responsible for household chores like cooking. The men (and often the extended family) expect the woman to prepare meals; and I'm not talking about handing out cereal boxes in the morning but rather complete meals that involve many dishes. Throw in some babies and voila you have an overworked and under appreciated woman. A great example of this inequality is shown in King the Land; I just wanted to slap the husband!
Perhaps Korea -like many countries- needs to adjust how women are viewed in their society so chores and responsibilities -as well as benefits and pay rates- are more equally shared. By the way, do not think for a moment that I believe the US does this perfectly. We too need to pay women equal wages and treat all people as equal. Wouldn't that be great? ~ Judy
This is another good example of the research you do before posting a blog. Nice!
I wonder how the current system fits in with dating and spending weekends with the boyfriend as a 30 something? Maybe being a girlfriend/boyfriend is the ideal romantic relationship? No chores, kids and domestic cares😘. The Korean system reminds me of th 1950s in the USA.