AUTHOR=Son Heesook , Song Sangmin , Kim YoungBin , Chung Joohyun 

TITLE=Patterns of Living Alone in South Korea Compared to Other Countries: A Public Health Perspective and YouTube Topic Modeling Analysis

JOURNAL=International Journal of Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 70 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/international-journal-of-public-health/articles/10.3389/ijph.2025.1608509

DOI=10.3389/ijph.2025.1608509

ISSN=1661-8564

ABSTRACT=ObjectivesThis study explored the experiences, challenges, and social dynamics of middle-aged individuals living alone in South Korea, compared with English-speaking individuals. From a public health perspective, this study examined cultural and generational factors influencing wellbeing.MethodsThis cross-sectional descriptive study used topic modeling with natural language processing to analyze YouTube video comments related to single-person households collected from 30 Korean and 88 English-language channels.ResultsDistinct cultural and generational differences emerged. Korean participants, particularly women, frequently expressed concerns about social stigma surrounding marriage and singlehood. English-speaking participants emphasized careers and personal independence. Themes included employment, financial security, travel, and food. Younger Koreans showed interest in leisure activities (mukbang, solo drinking). Older Koreans expressed concerns about economic stability and societal expectations.ConclusionUnderstanding the cultural and generational context of living alone is essential for developing public health strategies addressing social isolation, mental health, and health equity. Digital platforms function as alternative social spaces, offering insights into socially isolated individuals’ needs. Public health interventions should consider online engagement to support wellbeing and reduce health disparities in this population.