South Korea is witnessing a significant shift in youth attitudes toward marriage, with only about 30% of teenagers believing that marriage is essential, a 43.7% decrease from a decade ago. 

This evolving stance on marriage and family life poses long-term societal risks, including demographic decline, economic strains from changing household structures and a redefinition of personal and societal goals.

Additionally, a vast majority of teenagers are open to living together without being married and having children outside of marriage, reflecting a broader change in societal values and an evolving perspective on family and personal life choices.

Lee Eun-jae, a 17-year-old