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🇰🇷 South Korea /Culture & Society

The 'mourning attire' rental employee who handles the 'sadness' of people's final moments

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • The article explores the human element of funeral services through the perspective of a 10-year veteran of a mourning attire rental business.
  • It contrasts traditional mourning rituals with modern trends like AI-generated deceased images and increasingly simplified funeral procedures.
  • The piece reflects on the emotional and practical aspects of death, emphasizing that mourning remains a fundamentally human act.

In the somber world of funeral services, Kim Young-il, a 10-year veteran of a mourning attire rental company, navigates the final farewells of countless individuals. His work involves delivering suits and dresses to funeral homes at any hour, a task that underscores the enduring human need to honor the deceased, even as societal norms around death evolve.

Even so, someone has to see the deceased off. Won't those hands remain until the end?

— Kim Young-ilReflecting on the enduring human responsibility to care for the deceased.

Young-il observes a trend toward simpler funeral rites, influenced by factors like an aging population and a rise in single-person households. He notes, "Even so, someone has to see the deceased off. Won't those hands remain until the end?" This sentiment highlights the persistent human connection and responsibility felt during times of loss.

The article contrasts these traditional practices with emerging technologies, such as AI's ability to perfectly recreate images of the departed. This raises questions about the nature of mourning in an increasingly digital age. While technology can offer new ways to remember, the core act of grieving and comforting the bereaved remains deeply human. Young-il's own experience began through a personal connection, typical for this specialized industry where reputation and referrals are paramount.

Mourning clothes are made in standard sizes. But people with larger builds insist on a smaller size.

— Kim Young-ilDescribing a common client behavior regarding clothing sizes during funerals.

He explains the intricate process of funeral arrangements, from securing a venue and coordinating catering to managing cremations and burial services. His specific role involves providing mourning attire, a detail that often becomes a point of subtle negotiation. "Mourning clothes are made in standard sizes. They don't have functional fabrics or waistbands. But people with larger builds insist on a smaller size," he shares. This observation reveals a human tendency to grapple with appearances and comfort, even in grief, prompting him to gently inform clients, "Mourning clothes are made a bit small." The piece ultimately emphasizes that despite technological advancements, the act of mourning is an irreplaceable human endeavor.

Mourning clothes are made a bit small.

— Kim Young-ilHis gentle way of explaining sizing discrepancies to clients.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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