I’m Bill Tsutsui with another Postcard from Asia from the Center for East Asian Studies.
Is divorce good for the economy? Some market analysts in South Korea would answer with a resounding “geu rum yo!” That’s “Yes!” in Korean. Korea's rapidly rising divorce rate seems to have softened the stigma attached to marrying a second time and an entire new industry is growing up and thriving because of it. For example, there are special wedding halls like Petit Wedding in Seoul dedicated to those who are tying the knot again. Those re-marrying tend to be more discerning in choosing their next lifelong partners. But, in the event that doesn’t work out either, there’s always matchmaking firms like Duo, which deal exclusively with a divorced clientele. Perhaps the third time will be the charm.
With thanks to Randi Hacker for this text, from the Center for East Asian Studies, I’m Bill Tsutsui. Wish you were here.
