South Korean survey reveals high loneliness rates among young adults and single households

A survey conducted by research and data intelligence firm PMI reveals that 46.6% of adults in South Korea experienced loneliness at least once a week over the past six months. The study, which surveyed 1,000 men and women aged 20 to 59, highlights significant disparities based on age and living arrangements.

Loneliness is most prevalent among younger populations and single-person households. Specifically, 55.6% of those in their 20s reported weekly loneliness, compared to 37.2% of those in their 50s. Single-person households showed a much higher rate of 63.0%, compared to 40.5% for those living in multi-person households.

The primary trigger for loneliness was identified as having no one to share worries or emotions with (47.9%), followed closely by spending long periods alone (46.1%) and having no one to contact or meet (45.1%). Interestingly, 53.8% of respondents noted they could feel lonely even when surrounded by other people.

Regarding social support, while 77.5% claimed to have people for casual conversation, 34.1% stated they had no one to confide in regarding deep concerns or inner thoughts. Furthermore, 30.5% reported having no one to turn to for actual help during difficult times.