Why More Young East Asians Are Choosing Not to Date Dating Is No Longer a Given For many young people in East Asia, dating is no longer treated as an automatic part of adulthood. In South Korea, Japan and China, growing numbers of young adults say they have never dated or simply are not interested … Read more
Why the New Market Is Raising Big Health Concerns A Label That Sounds Safer Than It May Be In Korea, a new wave of vapes labeled “nicotine-free” is creating serious concern. On the surface, the message sounds simple and even reassuring. No nicotine, no problem — right? But recent tests suggest the reality may be … Read more
Korea’s Changing Relationship Norms Living Together Is No Longer Taboo In Korea, living together before marriage used to be controversial — even shocking. But things are changing fast. A recent survey shows that nearly 80 percent of unmarried Koreans now think cohabitation as preparation for marriage is acceptable. That’s a massive cultural shift. What once … Read more
Military Service and Gender Fairness in Korea Why the Debate Is Back Again Military service is once again at the center of gender conflict in Korea. A recent court ruling said that giving higher starting ranks to workers with military service experience could count as gender discrimination if it affects promotions. That decision quickly revived … Read more
Why Younger Koreans Are Saying No to Heavy Drinking The End of Late-Night Company Drinking Culture Something BIG is shifting in Korean drinking culture! South Korea’s famous after-work drinking culture is losing steam as younger generations turn away from late-night company gatherings and heavy alcohol consumption. “Hoesik” — company dinners involving multiple rounds of drinking … Read more