Divorce filings in South Korea surge in the months following major family holidays, as pent-up tensions and holiday-induced stress push couples to the breaking point, according to data released Sunday.
The Korea Times reports that such spikes are not triggered by isolated incidents but by the heightened pressures of family gatherings like Lunar New Year, which amplify long-unresolved issues between spouses, leading to a notable increase in mental strain.
Many couples now opt for permanent separation, with some expressing that it is “not worth it” to attempt reconciliation once communication has completely broken down.
Official 2024 marriage and divorce statistics from the Ministry of Data and Statistics indicate that the total number of divorces last year stayed within the low-90,000 range.
A striking pattern emerged in the seasonal distribution: January through March, a period encompassing the Lunar New Year holiday, accounted for a disproportionately higher share of the year's total divorce filings compared to other months.
January stood out particularly, comprising nearly 9 percent of all annual divorces, underscoring the immediate post-holiday effect on family dynamics.
Experts note that these trends highlight how festive periods, meant for reunion, often expose underlying marital discord that has simmered for years, prompting decisive action from strained partners.
