I’ve followed stories in The Korea Times about Korean culture. Issues such as loneliness and isolation are an increasing problem. There have been tragedies concerning the suicide of famous and non-famous Koreans and how lonely were their lives. I read a column that Koreans prefer to be home alone nowadays instead of enjoying traditional holiday celebrations with family members. In December, another story said there are 540,000 isolated Korean young people (ages 19 to 34). Many retreat to a virtual world. Most have contemplated or attempted suicide.