25 мифов о Южной Корее, которые продали через дорамы и K-pop, а реальность оказалась совсем другой

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25 Myths About South Korea: Reality vs. K-Dramas and K-Pop

25 myths about South Korea: the shocking truth behind the gloss of K-pop and K-dramas. Low birth rates, suicides, plastic surgery, overwork, and more.

South Korea presents itself to the world as a land of cutting-edge technology, vibrant pop culture, and boundless happiness. However, behind this facade lies a society grappling with profound social and demographic challenges. From a record-low birthrate to high suicide rates and grueling work schedules, the reality is significantly different from the idealized image broadcast through dramas and K-pop.

Demographic Crisis and the Declining Nation

25. World's Lowest Birth Rate: Seoul's fertility rate stands at a mere 0.55 children per woman, significantly below the population replacement level of 2.1. The government has invested approximately $200 billion over 16 years in attempts to address this issue, yet the birth rate continues to decline. In 2024, 210 elementary schools failed to enroll a single first-grader. In Gangwon Province, one school held an opening ceremony for its sole student. Kindergartens are being converted into nursing homes and funeral parlors. Pregnant women have to travel hundreds of kilometers in search of a maternity hospital as local facilities close due to a lack of births.

Plastic Surgery: The Beauty and Risk Industry

24. Plastic Surgery – The Domain of the Elite: South Korea ranks first in the world for the number of plastic surgeries per capita – 8.9 per thousand residents. The industry is valued at over 10 billion dollars. The peak season for surgeries is not in the summer months, but in the period after final exams, when clinics offer discounts. Tragic cases, such as the death of 25-year-old student Kwon Dae-hee after a chin reduction surgery due to blood loss and lack

Myth #25: South Korea is a country of happiness and high birth rates

Seoul's low birth rate (0.55 children per woman) and nationwide, the closure of schools and kindergartens, their repurposing into nursing homes and wedding halls, and the closure of maternity wards due to a lack of births. The government has spent about $200 billion over 16 years to address the problem, but the birth rate continues to fall.

Seoul's fertility rate is 0.55 children per woman.
210 elementary schools did not enroll a single first-grader this year.
In Gangwon Province, one school held an assembly for a single child.
Kindergartens are being converted into nursing homes, wedding halls, and funeral homes.
Demand for funeral home services has doubled in 4 years.
A pregnant woman from Sejong was refused by 52 hospitals in a row and had to travel 300 km to give birth.

Myth #24: Plastic Surgery is for Stars and the Rich

South Korea leads in the number of plastic surgeries per capita. The peak of surgeries occurs after final exams, with discount offers for graduates and their parents. A case of a student's death after a chin reduction surgery due to surgeon negligence and the absence of an anesthesiologist is presented.

South Korea ranks first in the world for the number of plastic surgeries per capita.
The plastic surgery industry is valued at over $10 billion.
The peak of surgeries occurs immediately after final exams.
Student Kwon Dae-hee died a month and a half after a chin reduction surgery due to blood loss.
Over 8 years, 50 deaths have been recorded from cosmetic surgeries, 23 of them from anesthesia.
In 6 out of 50 cases, a specialized anesthesiologist was present during the surgeries.

Myth #23: A camera in the toilet is paranoia

Hidden cameras (molka) are a common phenomenon in public places. In 2019, a network of 30 motels with cameras in TV set-top boxes was uncovered, broadcasting 1600 guests. Only about 5% of those convicted of such crimes go to jail; the rest receive fines or suspended sentences. Closed chats where recordings involving minors were traded were discovered.

The term 'molka' refers to miniature hidden cameras.
Cameras are found in restrooms, fitting rooms, gyms, and hotels.
In 2019, a network of 30 motels with cameras in TV set-top boxes was uncovered.
1600 guests were broadcast live, with subscriptions costing $45 per month.
80% of victims are women.
Only about 5% of those convicted of such crimes go to jail.
Recordings involving minors were traded in closed chats.
62% of schoolchildren consider using neural networks to insert faces into other people's videos as 'just a prank'.

Myth #22: Military service - like everywhere else

Military service is mandatory for all men (18-21 months). Only a few are exempted (Olympic champions, pianists, footballers). Draft evasion is prosecuted, and lists of evaders are published. Cases of hazing of privates leading to death and a high suicide rate in the army are cited. Alternative service is twice as long and takes place in prison.

Military service is mandatory for all men (18-21 months).
Only a few receive exemption from service.
Draft evasion is prosecuted by law.
A case of Private Yun's death due to hazing by fellow soldiers is cited.
In 2023, there were 68 suicides in the Korean army.
Suicides accounted for 93% of preventable deaths in the army.
Alternative service lasts 36 months and takes place in prison.

Myth #21: The Internet is Just Fast There

Korea no longer holds leading positions in internet speed, dropping to the fourth decade. The 'Cinderella' Law (2011-2021) restricted online games for children under 16. Due to implementation issues, Minecraft was officially made an adult game in Korea. A case of a child's death from exhaustion while parents played an online game is cited.

Korea dropped to the fourth decade in internet speed.
The 'Cinderella' Law (2011-2021) restricted online games for children under 16.
Minecraft was officially made an adult game in Korea due to the law.
A case of the death of a three-month-old girl, Saran, from exhaustion while her parents played an online game is cited.

Myth #20: Work as Work

The average working year is 1833 hours, which is 500 hours more than in Germany. The proposal to increase the working week to 69 hours caused a sharp drop in the president's approval rating. There is a legal term 'gwarosa' (death from overwork). Cases of death from overwork of a courier and a warehouse worker are given. Samsung has switched managers to a six-day work week.

The average working year is 1833 hours.
The proposal to increase the working week to 69 hours caused protests.
The term 'gwarosa' means death from overwork.
The state officially recognizes death from industrial causes when working 60 hours a week for 3 months.
Cases of death from overwork of a warehouse worker (Chang Dok-chu) and a courier (surname Oh) are given.
Samsung has switched managers to a six-day work week to 'instill a sense of crisis'.

Myth #19: School is just school

Korean families spend huge sums on tutors and private academies ($20 billion a year). There is a profession of 'hagwon paparazzi' who track children studying after prohibited hours. Children take entrance exams for English-speaking kindergartens from the age of 4. Studying and exams are the main reason for teenage suicides. An elementary school teacher committed suicide after parental complaints.

Korean families spent $20 billion on tutors and private academies last year.
There is a profession of 'hagwon paparazzi' who track children's studies after 10 PM.
Four-year-old children take entrance exams for English-speaking kindergartens.
Studying and entrance exams are the main reason for teenage suicides.
An elementary school teacher committed suicide after a flood of parental complaints.
Only 12% of teachers believe anything has changed after the protests.

Myth #18: A Rich Developed Country Without Poverty

The poverty rate among Koreans over 55 is almost 40%, the highest among developed countries. The National Pension was introduced only in 1988. The average pension is about $500. 14,831 people over 78 collect cardboard to earn money. Elderly people work as couriers to survive. The suicide rate among men over 80 is 115 per 100,000.

The poverty rate among Koreans over 55 is almost 40%.
The National Pension was introduced in 1988.
The average pension is about $500 per month.
14,831 people over 78 collect cardboard to earn money.
Elderly people work as 'silver couriers' to earn money.
The suicide rate among men over 80 is 115 per 100,000.

Myth #17: Money and connections solve everything

The country is run by family conglomerates ('chaebols'), such as Samsung, which control a significant portion of the economy. An example of a life completely tied to Samsung is given. Corporate cards of companies are spent on adult entertainment, including private clubs with hostesses, which are officially counted as tax deductions.

The country is run by family conglomerates ('chaebols').
Samsung controls about a fifth of the country's total exports.
An example of a life completely tied to Samsung (maternity hospital, hospital, university, etc.) is given.
Corporate cards of companies are spent on adult entertainment (over 599 billion won per year).
A large part of entertainment expenses is counted as a tax deduction.

Myth #16: A Korean's age is as stated in their passport

Until 2023, Korea used a traditional age-counting system where a baby was considered one year old at birth, and another year was added on January 1st. Concurrently, international and calendar age systems existed. On June 28, 2023, Korea officially adopted the international age counting system. When Koreans meet for the first time, they ask for the birth year to determine social status.

Until 2023, Korea used a traditional age-counting system.
A baby was considered one year old at birth, and another year was added on January 1st.
Concurrently, international and calendar age systems existed.
On June 28, 2023, Korea adopted the international age counting system.
When Koreans meet, they ask for the birth year to determine status.

Myth #15: Blood Type is About Medicine

In Korea, a person's character is judged by their blood type. Type A is meticulous, Type B is passionate, Type O is a leader, and Type AB is strange. This is asked on dates, and films and series are made about it. Men with blood type B are considered unreliable. The idea came from Japan in the early 20th century and is based on racial theories.

In Korea, a person's character is judged by their blood type.
Type A is meticulous, anxious, and introverted.
Type B is passionate, selfish, and unpredictable.
Type O is a leader and sociable.
Type AB is strange, incomprehensible, a genius or a psychopath.
Men with blood type B are considered unreliable.
The idea is based on racial theories from the early 20th century.

Myth #14: Never write a Korean's name in red ink

It is forbidden to write a Korean's name in red ink, as this is a wish for death. The number four (sa) sounds similar to the word 'death' and causes superstitions similar to the Western fear of the number 13. In elevators, the fourth floor is often skipped (letter F or simply skipped).

It is forbidden to write a Korean's name in red ink (a wish for death).
The number four (sa) sounds similar to the word 'death'.
In elevators, the fourth floor is often skipped (letter F or skipped).
Fourth wards are avoided in hospitals.
Rooms with a four are sold worse.

Myth #13: Dogs are eaten here, and it's normal

Dog meat consumption in Korea has virtually ceased. Young people do not eat this food, preferring to keep dogs as pets. Parliament has passed a law completely banning the breeding, slaughter, and sale of dog meat from 2027.

Dog meat consumption in Korea has virtually ceased.
Young people do not eat dog meat, preferring to keep dogs as pets.
Parliament has passed a law banning the breeding, slaughter, and sale of dog meat from 2027.
Farmers are provided with a transition period and compensation.

Myth #12: Fan Death

There is a belief about 'fan death' - falling asleep in a closed room with a running fan can lead to suffocation or hypothermia. This belief has existed since 1927, and newspapers annually publish reports on 'victims'. The Consumer Protection Agency has included fan suffocation in the list of common summer accidents. Fans in Korea are almost always equipped with a timer.

There is a belief about 'fan death'.
The first publication about the dangers of fans appeared in 1927.
Newspapers annually publish reports on 'fan victims'.
The Consumer Protection Agency has included fan suffocation in the list of common summer accidents.
Fans in Korea are almost always equipped with a timer.

Myth #11: Korea has always been a tech giant

Korea wasn't always a tech giant. In 1961, its GDP per capita was $94. The country was climbing out of poverty by sending miners to Germany and troops to Vietnam. Millions of Koreans built the Middle East. In 1997, the country was on the brink of bankruptcy, but a gold collection helped pay off the IMF debt.

In 1961, Korea's GDP per capita was $94.
Korea sent miners to West Germany (8,000 people over 14 years).
Korea sent troops to Vietnam (350,000 people over 9 years).
Over a million Koreans worked on construction projects in the Middle East.
In 1997, the country was on the brink of bankruptcy.
3.5 million people donated 227 tons of gold to pay off the IMF debt.

Myth #10: Nightlife consists of ordinary clubs and bars

Nightlife includes 'room salons'—exclusive establishments where men pay for drinks and the company of hostesses. This is part of business culture, where deals are made and trust is built. Women are excluded from this system, limiting their career opportunities. The case of actress Chan Chayong's suicide is mentioned, who left a list of influential men she entertained. The Burning Sun club scandal revealed connections to police and prostitution for foreign investors.

'Room salons' are exclusive establishments for men with hostesses.
This is part of business culture for making deals and building trust.
Women are excluded from this system, limiting their career opportunities.
Actress Chan Chayong committed suicide, leaving a list of influential men's names.
The Burning Sun club scandal revealed connections to police and prostitution.

Myth #9: Koreans are Reserved and Cold

Koreans are not reserved, but follow the rules of 'skinship' (physical closeness) and 'noonchi' (the ability to read the mood of a room). Female friends hold hands, and men can hug, but public displays of affection like kissing are considered indecent. 'Ajumma' (women over 50) are an exception, as they are allowed more leeway. The politeness of 'noonchi' is maintained as long as there is hope.

There are concepts of 'skinship' (physical closeness) and 'noonchi' (the ability to read the mood of a room).
Female friends hold hands, and men can hug.
Public displays of affection like kissing are considered indecent.
'Ajumma' (women over 50) are an exception to the rules.
The politeness of 'noonchi' is maintained as long as there is hope.

Myth #8: Young People Are Just Lazy to Live Separately

Young people are giving up on relationships, marriage, and children ('sampo', 'opo'). The country is called 'heljoseon' (hell Joseon) due to its class-based society. There is a 'spoon theory' (diamond, gold, silver, copper, iron, wooden, plastic, earth) that determines social status. The average apartment in Seoul costs 1.3 billion won, and the average salary is 4.5 million won. 82% of young people rent housing, and 5% live in 'gosivons' (rooms from 4 m²).

The term 'sampo' refers to the three renunciations (relationships, marriage, children).
The term 'opo' means giving up on everything.
The country is called 'heljoseon' (hell Joseon).
There is a 'spoon theory' (diamond, gold, silver, copper, iron, wooden, plastic, earth).
The average apartment in Seoul costs 1.3 billion won.
The average salary in Seoul is 4.5 million won.
82% of young people aged 19 to 34 rent housing.
5% of young households live in 'gosivons' (rooms from 4 m²).
720,000 people aged 20 to 34 did not look for work ('rested').
82% of vacancies require experience, and 2.5% are willing to hire a novice.

Myth #7: One Nation, One Calm People

The gender pay gap is 29% (first place among developed countries). The '4B' movement (rejection of relationships, sex, marriage, children) is gaining popularity. Male forums see the 'pinch' gesture as a feminist symbol. Cases are cited where companies corrected advertising due to 'hidden messages'. A candidate promised to abolish the Ministry of Gender Equality, winning elections among men aged 20 by a large margin.

The gender pay gap is 29%.
The '4B' movement is the rejection of relationships, sex, marriage, and children.
Male forums see the 'pinch' gesture as a feminist symbol.
Cases are cited where companies corrected advertising due to 'hidden messages'.
A candidate promised to abolish the Ministry of Gender Equality and won the election.
South Korea is the world record holder for ideological division between young men and women.

Myth #6: Kimchi is just fermented cabbage

Kimchi is not just fermented cabbage, but a 'religion.' Korean homes have separate refrigerators for kimchi. The country imports more kimchi than it exports, with 99.9% of imported kimchi being Chinese. Videos of unsanitary production of Chinese kimchi caused a scandal, but 43% of restaurants continued to purchase it. Space kimchi was developed with bacteria removal due to fear of space radiation.

Korean homes have separate refrigerators for kimchi.
In autumn, the whole country engages in 'kimjang' (mass kimchi preparation).
Korea imports more kimchi than it exports.
More than 99.9% of imported kimchi is Chinese.
Videos of unsanitary production of Chinese kimchi caused a scandal.
43% of restaurants continued to buy Chinese kimchi after the scandal.
Millions of dollars were spent on the development of space kimchi.

Myth #5: Korea got rich on its own and peacefully

Korea's economic miracle was achieved by generals after the 1961 military coup. Democracy only arrived in the late 1980s. Cases of brutal suppression of worker protests (Jeon Tae-il, Gwangju), Samcheong re-education camps, forced labor in the 'Brother House', forced evictions before the 1988 Olympics, and abuses in the international adoption program are presented.

Korea's economic miracle was achieved by generals after the 1961 military coup.
Democracy only arrived in the late 1980s.
The worker Jeon Tae-il set himself on fire to protest labor code violations.
In Gwangju (1980), paratrooper brigades were deployed against demonstrators (officially 165 killed).
Between 60,000 and 100,000 people were held in the Samcheong re-education camps (minimum 339 killed).
Forced labor and torture were used in the 'Brother House' in Busan (operational until 1988).
Around 720,000 people were forcibly evicted before the 1988 Olympics.
There were systematic abuses in the overseas adoption program (over 140,000 children taken out of the country).

Myth #4: The Korean Wave is about music and freedom

The Korean Wave (K-pop) is a tough assembly line. Trainees are trained for years, forbidden from relationships. Contracts can last 13 years (now 7 years). Agencies record training expenses as the artist's debt, which is repaid from future earnings. Cases of artist suicides due to pressure and stalking by fans ('sasaengs') are cited.

K-pop is a tough assembly line with years of trainee preparation.
Contracts can last up to 7 years.
Agencies record training expenses as the artist's debt.
Cases of artist suicides are cited (Sulli, Kim Jonghyun).
Fans ('sasaengs') stalk artists, using 'sasaeng taxis' ($600 per day).
Artists have reported wiretapping, trackers on cars, and hidden cameras.

Myth #3: Korea and North Korea are about to unite

South Korea and North Korea are still in a state of war (armistice in 1953, no peace treaty signed). There is a 4-kilometer demilitarized zone with tunnels. Incidents such as the 'axe incident' (1976) and North Korea's launch of trash-filled balloons are mentioned. In 2024, the President of South Korea declared martial law, which lasted for 6 hours.

South Korea and North Korea are in a state of war (1953 armistice).
There is a 4-kilometer demilitarized zone with tunnels.
The 'axe incident' (1976) is mentioned, in which two American officers were killed.
North Korea has launched trash-filled balloons.
In December 2024, the President of South Korea declared martial law (lasted 6 hours).

Myth #2: It's a small, unnoticeable country

South Korea, with a population of 51 million, dominates a significant portion of the global market for RAM (two manufacturers) and AI memory (one manufacturer holds 58%). Its cosmetics exports reach $10 billion, ranking third worldwide. Approximately 550,000 people take the Korean language proficiency test. Films like 'Parasite' and the series 'Squid Game' have achieved global recognition.

Two South Korean manufacturers control about 2/3 of the global RAM market.
One South Korean company holds 58% of the global AI memory market.
Cosmetics exports exceed $10 billion (ranking third worldwide).
Approximately 550,000 people took the Korean language proficiency test last year.
'Parasite' is the first non-English language film to win an Oscar.
'Squid Game' is one of the most-watched series in history.

Myth #1: South Korea is Glamour, Music, and Happiness

Despite its glossy image, South Korea faces serious challenges: low birth rate (0.8 children per woman last year, but this is a structural effect), high suicide rate among the elderly (115 per 100,000 men over 80), overwork (83-hour work week for a courier), poverty among the elderly (14,800 cardboard collectors), low percentage of real sentences for hidden camera offenses (5%), a large number of young people not seeking employment (720,000). The country has gone from poverty to technological leadership, but the pressure on individuals has remained and is now 'grinding' them down.

The birth rate last year was 0.8 children per woman.
115 suicides per 100,000 men over 80 years old.
A courier worked 83 hours per week.
14,800 elderly people (average age 78) collect cardboard.
5% real sentences for hidden camera offenses.
720,000 young people did not seek employment.
Korea's population will decrease from 52 million to 36 million by 2072.
By 2125, only 11 million people will remain in the country (according to the medium scenario).
Korea has the concept of 'lonely death' (godoksa), enshrined in law.
Last year there were 3,924 'lonely deaths', 82% were men aged 50-60.