It’s not selfishness—Korean Gen MZ women are rejecting marriage because of outdated roles, unequal “equality,” and crushing expectations.
Why are growing numbers of Korean women rejecting marriage?
Hint: It’s not due to a lack of interest in love.
The real reasons lie in outdated gender norms, unequal expectations, and the overwhelming burden placed on women.
Let’s take a closer look 👇
1. Traditional Expectations Still Stick Around
It’s 2025—you’d think outdated gender roles would be history by now, right?
Well… not quite.
Many married women in Korea are still expected to cook, clean,
and play the role of the “perfect daughter-in-law” during the holidays.
And that’s on top of their regular jobs.
Basically?
Marriage often feels like signing up for a second full-time job—
unpaid, unrecognized, and with zero days off.
2. “Half-and-Half” Marriage? Not So Equal
People love to say, “We split everything 50/50 now.”
Sure, the house, the wedding costs, even living expenses—sounds fair.
But in reality?
Women are still doing way more.
They go to work and then come home to do most of the housework and childcare.
It’s like the invisible workload no one talks about—but women feel it every day.
3. The Money Struggle Is Real
Let’s be honest: weddings are expensive.
So is rent. So is life.
And now that the “husband buys the house” rule is mostly gone,
women are also expected to pay up.
But after all that money, the actual life part of marriage?
Still stressful. Still unequal. Still exhausting.
4. It’s Not Selfish—It’s Smart
So when women choose not to marry, it’s not because they hate commitment.
It’s because they see the reality and say,
“Yeah, maybe I don’t want to sign up for that.”
Gen MZ women are prioritizing themselves—their mental health,
their careers, their peace.
And honestly? Who can blame them?
💬 Final Thoughts
Skipping marriage isn’t some rebellious trend.
It’s a message:
If marriage stays this unfair, maybe it’s not worth it right now.
But here’s the hopeful part—
If society starts catching up, if marriage becomes truly equal?
Then maybe more women will say “yes.”
Until then, they’re just saying “no thanks”—and that’s okay.