Those Who Became Konson, Catch the Honjok

ADT Caps launches service targeting single-person households... Monthly 10,000 KRW range for front door security and dispatch
Mobile laundry and small-quantity delivery also popular

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Cheol-hyun] As the number of single-person households increases recently, services specialized for the so-called 'honjok life' are emerging. Centered on the 20s to 30s 'millennial generation,' a consumption culture that prioritizes oneself is spreading, and single-person households are characterized by their desire for comfortable premium services. Single-person households are willing to pay for services that reduce time, effort, and stress.

According to the security and IT industry on the 24th, products tailored to the lifestyle of single-person households have been continuously released and are gaining attention. There are about 6 million single-person households in South Korea, accounting for about 30% of the total. For them, optimized services for those living alone, such as home security services and convenient laundry and grocery shopping through applications (apps), are steadily taking root.

ADT Caps' 'Caps Home,' a security service specialized for front doors, is a representative example. It is a product designed to solve the security concerns that arise when starting to live alone, and it can be used without burden even by single-person households at a reasonable cost. According to ADT Caps, it offers easy installation with a low monthly fee in the range of 10,000 KRW. Users can check real-time video of the front door anytime and anywhere through the app, and if a presence is detected at the front door, real-time video is recorded and an alarm is sent to the smartphone. When an abnormal signal is detected, the nearest ADT Caps security personnel are dispatched, and customers can also request emergency dispatch directly via the SOS emergency button or app.

Especially nowadays, when visitors are avoided due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), it supports non-face-to-face communication by allowing warning sounds to be emitted and two-way conversations from outside when a delivery arrives or a visitor comes. An ADT Caps official explained, "In the case of residential intrusion crimes occurring in apartment complexes, continuously monitoring and recording the situation at the front door can help prevent crime," adding, "Caps Home is particularly useful for single-person households as it offers real-time video monitoring and intrusion detection, as well as functions such as checking deliveries or talking with visitors on a regular basis."

There is also a mobile laundry service that solves everything from pickup to laundry and delivery simply by placing an order via mobile, without the hassle of visiting a laundromat. 'Setak Teukgongdae' (Laundry Special Forces) handles various household items such as clothing, blankets, shoes, leather, and carpets, providing everything from water washing to dry cleaning, along with simple repair services. Orders can be placed via the app, KakaoTalk, or phone, and if laundry is left at the door at the reserved time, a pickup and delivery specialist collects it, completes the laundry, and delivers it back to the door.

Delivery app trends are also changing to suit the lifestyle patterns of single-person households. Existing mobile grocery shopping services sometimes required ordering more than expected to meet minimum order amounts, but recently introduced ultra-small quantity delivery services emphasize delivering only what is necessary, gaining popularity among 'honjok.' 'B Mart,' launched by Woowa Brothers since the end of last year, allows easy ordering of convenience foods and daily necessities such as ramen, bread, and milk through a mobile app, and delivers the ordered food within an hour. The minimum order amount is 5,000 KRW.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.