Traditional Korean Marriage Meets Match on the Internet

Those embarking on traditional marriages in South Korea have rarely relied solely on the whims of parents in selecting spouses – and modern families can now turn to the research capabilities of the internet to locate the perfect mate. With South Korea enjoying higher incomes, combined with more work opportunities, young people are choosy about marriage partners. South Korean customs discourage young adults meeting on their own, without appropriate background checks, introductions or parental approval. New businesses have emerged that “bill themselves as being more scientific than one-person shops that use social connections to make matches,” reports The New York Times. Computer searchers provide clues as to what type of spouse might be most suitable – and applicants provide extensive personal details – on health, employment, education and appearance – not just about themselves but about their entire families. Other industries that might have an interest in such histories – such as banking – also promote the computer matches. For now, the government prohibits advertising such services on television. But some analysts, alarmed about declining marriage and birth rates in South Korea, urge that the government not only lift the advertising bans but also provide computer matchmaking as a public service. – YaleGlobal