"I'm Fine, Comfortable Being Alone" 60% of Singles Are 'Motae Solo'

'Unmarried Men and Women's Views on Dating' Survey Results
"Not Really Necessary," "Focusing on Work and Studies"
Most Common Number of Relationships: '3-4 Times'

At a time when low birth rates are emerging as a social issue, it has been revealed that 6 out of 10 unmarried men and women in South Korea are either not dating or have never had a dating experience, known as 'motae solo' (never dated since birth).

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Photo by Yonhap News

According to a survey on 'Dating Attitudes of Unmarried Men and Women' conducted by the polling agency PMI targeting 3,000 men and women aged 20 to 69, 46.3% of respondents answered that they are 'not currently dating,' and 18.3% said they have 'no dating experience.' This means that 6.5 out of 10 people are either not dating or have never dated, classified as 'motae solo.'

Those who responded that they are 'currently dating' accounted for 35.4%. By generation, the rates were ▲20s (44.0%) ▲30s (39.4%) ▲40s (18.0%). Compared to those in their 40s, people in their 20s are 2.5 times, and those in their 30s about 2.2 times more likely to be dating.

On the other hand, the percentage of those who said they have 'no dating experience' was higher among younger age groups: ▲20s (21.2%) ▲30s (16.0%) ▲40s (15.5%).

When asked, "Have you had dating experience lasting more than three months since becoming an adult?" 4 out of 10 respondents answered "3 to 4 times." This was followed by ▲1 to 2 times (26.1%) ▲5 to 6 times (18.4%).

Relationship status of unmarried men and women.
[Photo by PMI]

Among male respondents, the most common number of dating experiences was '3 to 4 times' at 46.2%, followed by '1 to 2 times' at 22.9%, and '5 to 6 times' at 16.7%.

Female respondents also showed '3 to 4 times' as the most frequent dating experience, but at 34.7%, which is 11.5% lower than male respondents. This was followed by '1 to 2 times' at 29.0% and '5 to 6 times' at 20.1%.

The biggest reason for not dating was 'comfortable being alone,' accounting for 33.6%. Other reasons included ▲lack of opportunities to meet people (18.0%) ▲not finding someone they like (14.1%) ▲not feeling the necessity to date (12.7%) ▲lack of financial stability (11.2%) ▲wanting to focus on work or studies and career (4.5%). Notably, 2.3% answered that 'social issues have caused caution and distrust in meeting others.'

8 out of 10 young people have not met a new romantic partner since COVID-19

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Photo by Getty Images Bank

Meanwhile, according to the '2021 Population Forum Statistics' by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, 78.1% of young people reported that they have not met or been introduced to a new romantic partner since COVID-19. The MZ generation, who live a life devoted to 'godsaeng' (a fulfilling life) with work-life balance, self-development, various hobbies, and occasional special pleasures known as 'small luxury,' are showing reduced interest in 'dating.'

A PMI official explained, "The choice of 'single life,' where a significant number of unmarried men and women have no dating experience or are not currently dating, is increasing. This reflects the growing importance of personal values, life satisfaction, and self-realization in modern society."

They added, "As interpersonal relationships among people are being newly established, it is thought that the ability to accept and understand diverse values will be necessary. A social atmosphere that recognizes and respects diversity from a broader perspective should be fostered."

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