Seoul launches £250m initiative to tackle lonely deaths in 2024

South Korea is facing a significant rise in loneliness among its population, particularly among single-person households and the elderly, prompting the city of Seoul to allocate over £250 million towards tackling the issue. The initiative, dubbed 'Loneliness-Free Seoul,' aims to address the root causes of the growing phenomenon of godoksa, or lonely deaths, which increased from 3,559 in 2022 to 3,661 in 2023. The city plans to implement various strategies including the 'Goodbye Loneliness 120' helpline, which will connect users to trained counselors, and launch community-based networking options for older residents, such as cooking and exercise classes. Additionally, Seoul intends to collaborate with food delivery services to identify isolated customers, highlighting the need for tailored support for single-person households. The number of single-person households in South Korea surged from 7.16 million in 2021 to 7.82 million in 2023. Amid broader social issues, including low happiness levels and elevated suicide rates, experts are concerned about the isolation prevalent among younger generations. A report found that 3% of people aged 19 to 34 faced extreme forms of isolation, with the figure increasing to 5% in 2021. This isolation can be linked to cultural factors that place high value on familial and societal success, coupled with rising costs of living and strained job prospects. The ongoing challenges of poverty among elderly residents, combined with insufficient welfare support, exacerbate their feelings of loneliness. This initiative signifies a commitment by the government to tackle loneliness as a societal issue, recognizing its implications on overall health and community cohesion. As resources are mobilized towards this plan, there is hopeful expectation for mitigated instances of loneliness and improved quality of life for affected individuals, indicating a potential for systemic change. As the Loneliness-Free Seoul initiative unfolds, the effectiveness of its programs in reducing loneliness and fostering community connections will be closely observed. The collective aim is to ensure that social isolation is identified early and managed effectively, promoting a healthier and more connected civic space within the city.