In brief
Faced with the world's lowest birthrate and a growing number of single-person households, South Koreans have increasingly turned to dog companionship, transforming these animals into beloved family members amid societal shifts.
In recent years, South Korea has seen a monumental shift in the social fabric, with more individuals opting out of traditional family structures in favor of single living or remaining childless. In this context, dogs have become central to many people’s lives, offering companionship in a society where forming traditional families is becoming less common. This trend is vividly illustrated by the emotionally charged pet funeral for Dalkong, a white poodle, in Gwangju. Dalkong's owner, Kim Seon-ae, 71, expressed deep love and gratitude, describing Dalkong as a source of happiness akin to an infectious virus. Such heartfelt devotion marks a stark change from the past, when South Korea was often criticized internationally for its dog meat consumption practices. Today, over two-fifths of South Korean households are single-occupancy, and pets, especially dogs, are filling emotional voids once occupied solely by human family members.
