'Don't Bother People': Son Spends Just 275,000 Won on Funeral

Chrysanthemum flowers, wreaths, a funeral parlor crowded with mourners, and overnight hosting. Korea's funeral culture, long taken for granted, is changing. Recently, "no-parlor funerals"—where families bid farewell to the deceased with only family members present, without sending out obituaries or setting up a traditional funeral parlor—are rapidly increasing. According to funeral directors, no-parlor funerals, which accounted for only about 1% five years ago, reached nearly 20% last year. Why are people leaving behind the familiar three-day funeral and choosing a new way to say goodbye?
  In March, Cho Ho-jin, who lost his mother, chose a no-parlor funeral, honoring his mother's wish during her lifetime to "not bother people." The funeral cost was a mere 275,000 won. He says that rather than the cost savings, the greatest comfort was not placing a burden on acquaintances and being able to share the grief solely among family members. Ko Young-ran, who had held a traditional three-day funeral in the past, recalled being overwhelmed by the financial burden and the demands of hosting mourners. When her mother passed away, she skipped setting up a funeral parlor and instead held a three-hour memorial service. About 40 family members and friends gathered to remember and cherish the life of the deceased. What caught the reporting team's attention most, however, was a "living funeral" held while the person is still alive. Kim Hong-seop prepared a special living funeral for his mother, who celebrated her 100th birthday earlier this month. He said he prepared the living funeral because he wanted to gift her with love while she was still alive, rather than grieving late after she passed away. We take a look at that special day, which was filled with laughter and gratitude instead of tears.
  Regarding this shift in funeral culture, Lee Jeong-seon, a professor of mortuary science at Eulji University, analyzed, "Due to smaller family structures, weakening social ties, and economic burdens, there is a growing trend to pursue substance over formal rituals." Won Hye-young, representative of the Well-Dying Culture Movement, also diagnoses that following the "first funeral revolution," which shifted the focus from burial to cremation in the past, a "second funeral revolution" centered on remembrance rather than a funeral parlor is now beginning. For whom should a funeral be held? Is it to save face for those left behind, or is it the final moments to remember the one who has departed?

This week on SBS <News Story>, we reflect on the meaning of a "good farewell" and the essence of funerals through the changing landscape of Korean funerals. Funerals without parlors, funerals held while alive, and new ways of remembrance. We deliver stories of death and parting that we must all think about.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.