Are South Korean families falling apart? Unfortunately, many experts believe so. On the surface, they seem happy, but a closer look reveals all kinds of problems.
First, they have one of the world's highest divorce rates. For every two new couples, one breaks up because of irreconcilable differences and economic difficulties.
It is shocking, because only about two decades ago, divorce was highly unusual in this traditionally Confucian society, where families were supposed to stay together, no matter what.
Currently, South Korea is number three in the world for divorce rates, after the US and France. But experts say it will soon be top if the current trend continues.
Then there is the low birth rate, which stands at 1.17 children per woman - the lowest in the world. This also surprises everyone, because until recently, South Korea's birth rate was much higher than the global average. There are probably many reasons for the dramatic change. But the main one, undoubtably, is because it has become so expensive to raise children here.
Education costs alone are huge, because expensive private tutoring is essential to prepare children for the competitive college entrance exam.