Generation Gap Inverted: South Korea’s Demographic Time Bomb, From Cardboard Grannies to K-Drama Narratives
- lewishooper1
- 15 hours ago
- 4 min read
We explore the challenges and opportunities presented by South Korea's rapidly graying populace. Will Korea be able to rise above this concerning issue? Let's dive in!
The population of individuals aged 70 and above is rapidly growing, approaching or even surpassing the size of the cohort of young adults in their 20s. This reversal is caused by the combined forces of plummeting birth rates, which shrink the base of younger generations, and increased human longevity, which swells the ranks of older retirees. This shift fundamentally challenges the traditional structure of society, in which a large, youthful working population was historically relied upon to support a smaller, older generation. So what is being done about this catastrophic social nightmare? This article will feature some K-dramas that discuss this ever-growing problem.
Cultural Erosion and Family Strain in South Korea
Koreans are known for following the more traditional family methods, which require the adults to care for their elderly parents, though as the digital age becomes more apparent and the more modern side of society creeps in, many young Koreans are starting to feel the strain.
K-dramas like My Mister (2018) often depict this by showing younger adults struggling with their own economic precarity while simultaneously attempting to care for or cope with the isolation of their older relatives. This dynamic has resulted in the elderly often being perceived as a societal burden rather than respected family figures, tragically contributing to Korea’s high rate of elderly poverty and isolation. This drama has since been used as an example of the low birth rates that we have been hearing about more recently, and it has been used to help people who are struggling realize this is sadly becoming the new normal in Korean households.
Representation of the "Agequake" in K-Dramas
K-dramas directly tackle the "Agequake" by foregrounding the lives and struggles of older characters, challenging the industry's historical focus on the young. The critically acclaimed series Dear My Friends (2016) is a prime example, centering entirely on a group of elderly friends who are shown as complex, independent individuals dealing with aging, illness, and their own agency, rather than just being supporting mothers or grandmothers.
Furthermore, K-dramas like Move to Heaven (2021) and The Light in Your Eyes (2019) explore the heartbreaking realities of elderly neglect, social isolation, and health issues like Alzheimer's, making these social problems visible to a global audience.
Since there is a lack of social care for the elderly population in Korea, compared to other countries, visitors and the Korean population will notice a growing number of elderly people experiencing health problems or collecting cardboard.
Social and Cultural Motivations
The reasons why many elderly Koreans can be found wandering the streets collecting cardboard are complex; however, it is mainly driven by financial necessity. In fact, for over 80 percent of collectors (A December 2023 article in the Korea JoongAng Daily reported that the Ministry of Health estimated that at least 80 percent of the older adults collecting waste papers were doing so for "economic reasons, ranging from main incomes to pocket money), the simple collection of cardboard can allow them to put a roof over their head and provide them with basic living expenses for the month.
Historically, Confucian culture placed the burden of elder care on adult children. This system has largely collapsed, leaving many elderly isolated or financially abandoned, yet they are often too proud to apply for full government assistance, unlike in some Western countries, where people often feel entitled, as it requires them to formally declare that their children are unable or unwilling to support them. Since Korea was a very poor country until the late 1980s and early 1990s, many people at the time either got rich quickly or fell below the poverty line, which is very clear in the consumer culture today.
Dignity and Purpose
Many Korean seniors are very proud of their strong work ethic, and from a young age, it is ingrained that they are mainly set to look out for themselves and to provide for their families.
Collecting cardboard keeps them physically active, provides a sense of purpose, and helps them avoid the crushing loneliness and boredom of sitting at home alone, which is all too common in Western countries, where the elderly spend time watching TV at home or in a community center, with a lack of exercise and purpose.
Younger Generation's Plight
The younger Korean generation, more so in their 20s, is suffering a "Hell Joseon", thanks to the economic problems, elderly population, and the housing crisis, which keeps pushing back life milestones such as buying a house or having kids.
This shrinking workforce is trapped between their own financial struggles and the immense burden of funding the large elderly population, leading to fierce intergenerational conflict over job competition and retirement age policies. Sadly, lots of young Koreans are committing suicide or having mental health problems, which has been a taboo problem until recent years. It seems like this is a cycle in which there is no real solution, even with bringing in foreign workers into the economy and culture, which the Dojeon team believes Korea is not yet ready for.
What do you think of this age gap? Comment below and let the team know!