Post by : Rameen Ariff

Rows of coffins line a classroom in Busan, South Korea, where students at the Busan Institute of Science and Technology are being trained to become future funeral directors. As the country faces a rapidly ageing population and a declining birth rate, the “business of death” is quietly expanding — reflecting a sobering reality of loneliness and demographic change.

South Korea, known for its technological advancements and vibrant culture, now finds itself grappling with another growing sector — funeral management and death-related services. With nearly half of the population aged 50 or older and one of the world’s lowest birth rates, more South Koreans are preparing for a future marked by solitude and mortality.

“For me, this profession is not just a job but a service of respect,” said 27-year-old funeral administration student Jang Jin-yeong. “As society ages, the demand for dignified farewells will only rise.”

Another student, 23-year-old Im Sae-jin, was inspired to join the field after attending his grandmother’s funeral. “Seeing how beautifully she was prepared for her final goodbye made me want to offer that same care to others,” he shared.

The Rise of “Lonely Deaths”

South Korea has the highest suicide rate among developed nations, and an increasing number of people are dying alone — a phenomenon now widely known as “lonely deaths”. According to recent data, single-person households make up about 42% of all homes, underscoring a sharp rise in social isolation.

This loneliness has given rise to a new profession — death-cleaning specialists, who are called in to clean the homes of people who passed away alone.

Former classical musician Cho Eun-seok, now working in this field, has witnessed countless heartbreaking scenes. “Their homes are like portraits of their lives,” Cho said. “I’ve seen rooms filled with unopened gifts, empty soju bottles, and signs of quiet suffering.”

Cho has also been called to clean cars where individuals ended their lives, and he’s developing a sensor to detect unattended deaths early — an innovation born out of necessity as unattended deaths can cause health hazards and severe odours, forcing complete disposal of household items.

Stories That Stay Behind

Sometimes, these cleaners uncover deeply personal memories. Kim Seok-jung, another professional in the field, once discovered a set of unpublished lyrics in a deceased lyricist’s apartment and turned them into a song for her grieving family.

Cho, meanwhile, recalls visiting a high school girl living alone in a small gosiwon after escaping domestic violence. The teenager, battling depression, lived in squalid conditions but protected a small box she refused to discard. When she later took her own life, Cho discovered a hamster inside — the girl’s only companion.

“The moment I saw that hamster, I realized how much love she had for it. It reminded me how fragile and lonely some lives can be,” he said softly.

A New Generation Joins the Death Industry

As South Korea’s demographic crisis deepens, younger generations are increasingly drawn to the funeral business. Veteran professionals say more people in their twenties are signing up for training programs in funeral administration and death-care management.

“When people live together, their belongings remain even after death,” said funeral director Kim Doo-nyeon. “But when someone dies alone, everything must be cleared away — that’s the hardest part.”

Back in Busan, students continue to practice on mannequins, learning how to handle the deceased with dignity and compassion. Despite the emotional challenges, they see their work as an act of humanity.

“I’m nervous about what lies ahead,” admitted Im. “But if we can bring comfort to families and respect to the departed, then it’s worth it.”

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