Demographic crisis in South Korea

Young people in South Korea isolate themselves: “Have social anxiety”

More than half a million young South Koreans – about five percent – live isolated lives with very limited social relationships. This is reported by the Korea Times, which writes that it is a growing problem.

A report from the South Korean Institute of Health and Social Affairs shows that many cite unemployment as the reason, but almost every other person in the group cannot give a clear reason. This is seen as a sign that the problem is difficult to explain.

Lee Eun-ae, who founded a center to support young people who live isolated, believes that social pressure is a cause. Many strive to achieve high-status jobs and see themselves as failures if they do not succeed.

– Over time, they suffer from severe depression or social anxiety.

Ahn lived completely isolated – barely lasted ten years

33-year-old Ahn is one of many South Koreans who have experienced almost total isolation. In an interview with the Korea Times, she says that she hardly went out at all between 2015 and 2024, after she failed to train to become a pharmacist.

During the worst period, her life completely turned upside down. She would stay awake while the rest of her family slept, and go to bed when they left to go to work.

“I started to wonder if I simply wasn’t smart enough to make it. It was myself who made me the most depressed.”

According to the site, more than half a million young South Koreans live lives with very limited social contacts.