Researcher explores 'lonely deaths' in South Korea, focusing on middle-aged men

Song In-ju, head of the research institute 'Seusuro Lab,' is bringing critical attention to the growing issue of "lonely deaths" in South Korea with her new book, "The Society of Dying Alone." The book delves into the social causes behind the deaths of 11 individuals, primarily middle-aged men, who passed away in isolation. Song, who previously worked at the Seoul Welfare Foundation for 11 years, has dedicated years to researching lonely deaths, analyzing over 20,000 death records and visiting death scenes.

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I wanted to ask society questions through the stories of people who died isolated. Where was society when they were dying alone?

Song's research was spurred by a Japanese colleague's surprise at the high rate of lonely deaths among middle-aged men in Korea, a demographic more commonly associated with elderly deaths in Japan. This observation prompted Song to investigate the unique societal factors contributing to this phenomenon in Korea. Her findings indicate that middle-aged men, often facing economic hardship due to job loss, business failures, or divorce, become socially isolated. This isolation is compounded by difficulties in accessing the national welfare system, which requires proving inability to work or navigating complex application processes, often leading to deaths shortly after potential eligibility.

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Japanese researchers were very surprised by the high proportion of middle-aged lonely deaths in Korea. They have more elderly lonely deaths in Japan. So, I thought there must be a special reason why so many middle-aged people are dying alone in Korea, and I needed to explore that reason.

"We need to create social activities and jobs that allow isolated middle-aged individuals to contribute their skills again," Song emphasized. She believes that providing a sense of purpose through employment is crucial for their well-being. Song also highlighted the need for trauma support for caregivers, such as home helpers, who witness the deaths of those they care for. These caregivers often experience guilt and trauma, sometimes developing a fear of entering homes. Establishing systems for psychological support for them is essential.

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Middle-aged individuals who could not adapt to Korea's rapid social changes, were pushed out due to restructuring at work, or failed in business and could not recover, experience economic difficulties, worsening health, family estrangement, and loss of identity. Ultimately, these middle-aged people lived estranged from family and society and met their deaths alone.

Song's personal motivation stems from the loss of her father, who died of cancer in 2015. Witnessing his final days, she realized the profound importance of having someone present during the dying process. This experience fuels her decade-long commitment to researching lonely deaths, aiming to alleviate the suffering of those who die alone. To foster open conversations about death, she hosts a monthly gathering called 'Cafe Sadame,' believing that contemplating mortality can significantly alter one's approach to life and relationships.

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It is difficult for middle-aged men to access the Basic Livelihood Security System. Unless they have a disability, they must prove their inability to work, and they must go through a complex application process. These are very difficult hurdles. Many cases die three to four months after becoming recipients of basic livelihood security.