South Korea's Marriage Challenges: Societal Pressures and Perspectives

Marriage in South Korea is challenging due to societal pressures and financial expectations, not a lack of desire.

### The Marriage Dilemma in South Korea
A civil servant observes that friends from the countryside struggle to marry after moving to Seoul, despite having **good jobs and education**. The intense competition for housing and the **comparative society** in South Korea make marriage difficult. Another perspective argues that wealthy and capable individuals do get married, challenging the notion that marriage is **elusive for everyone**, while also highlighting the **higher marriage rates in rural areas**.

### The Impact of Money on Marriage Decisions
A man's desire to marry is hindered by financial insecurity, leading to **trauma and shame from rejection**. Both men and women feel pressured by money, with women calculating their partner's financial contribution for a **stable future**. The strict conditions for marriage, including **past savings**, **present job stability**, and **future financial planning**, create a challenging environment for both genders.

### The Blame Game: Marriage and Society
People often feel relative deprivation and blame society and the country for their struggles, despite marriage being as simple as **registering at a district office**. The desire for a lavish life and greed are major factors in these complaints. The author argues that with a different mindset and prioritizing **savings over luxury**, a comfortable life and successful marriage are entirely possible.

### The Irony of Financial Struggles and School Picnics
Despite earning **$700 to $800 a month** from deliveries, financial struggles persist, leading to an ironic cycle of **hard work and marriage**. The teacher's frustration with the school's lack of lunch provision for a once-a-year picnic highlights the challenges of **parenting and the changing dynamics of food preparation**. The issue of inadequate homemade meals for children is a reflection of broader societal problems, affecting both **single and married individuals**.

### The Struggles of Shared Household Responsibilities
The husband and wife have a conflict over dishwashing, with the husband feeling **criticized for not doing it after eating alone**. The husband suggests hiring someone to handle housework for **3 million won**, questioning why he should be criticized for not doing it himself. He proposes a plan to each contribute **300 won from their earnings** to cover basic household expenses and find someone to help with **meals and lodging**.

### The Struggles of Modern Relationships
Women often marry for financial stability, while men take on the role of providers, mirroring **historical survival roles**. The speaker feels **unrecognized for their efforts** in managing the household and questions the division of labor. They advocate for **mutual respect and recognition** in the relationship, suggesting a partnership in **earning and household responsibilities**.

### The Complexities of Marriage and Social Expectations in South Korea
* 👥 A civil servant expresses concern over South Korea's declining marriage rates, noting that friends from rural areas who moved to Seoul struggle to find partners despite being **educated and employed**.
* 🏡 The intense competition for housing and societal comparisons contribute to the belief that marriage is increasingly difficult, with many feeling that "**wealthy and capable individuals**" still manage to marry.
* 📊 Statistics indicate that while some individuals may be struggling, many ordinary people, particularly in rural areas, are **successfully getting married despite financial constraints**.
* 💔 The societal pressure surrounding marriage often leads to feelings of **shame and rejection**, particularly for men who believe they must meet certain **financial standards** to be considered worthy partners.
* 💰 Women, on the other hand, are often **calculating their future based on their partner's financial stability**, leading to **stringent conditions for marriage and family planning**.
* 🏠 Despite the perceived difficulties, the speaker argues that marriage can be financially manageable if couples **prioritize their needs over societal expectations and material desires**.
* 🤔 The discussion highlights a disconnect between the media's portrayal of marriage challenges and the reality for many couples who find ways to **navigate their financial situations together**.
* 🥡 Lastly, the speaker emphasizes the importance of **mutual respect and recognition** within marriages, encouraging couples to **share responsibilities and support each other** rather than succumbing to societal pressures.

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