In South Korea, a unique concept called the ‘Happiness Factory’ is offering parents a glimpse into the world of their socially-withdrawn children, known as hikikomori. This initiative, part of a 13-week programme run by the Korea Youth Foundation and the Blue Whale Recovery Centre, involves parents spending three days in solitary confinement cells, clad in blue prison uniforms. The experience is designed to allow parents to understand the profound feelings of loneliness their children endure.
The program has seen positive results. Jin Young-hae, a participant, shared with the BBC how her 24-year-old son had isolated himself for three years. By experiencing isolation firsthand, she gained valuable insight into her son’s emotional state, realizing that he uses silence as a defense mechanism. Similarly, Park Han-sil, another participant, found the programme helped her understand her 26-year-old son’s feelings, despite him remaining isolated and often engaging in video games.
The rise of hikikomori in South Korea has been attributed to a combination of factors, including difficulties in finding jobs, strained interpersonal relationships, family issues, and health problems. Professor Jeong Go-woon from Kyung Hee University’s sociology department explained that Korean culture often emphasizes practical actions and responsibilities over verbal expressions of love and feelings. This, coupled with the pressure to succeed in a highly competitive society, can contribute to feelings of isolation and withdrawal.
The ‘Happiness Factory’ program is a crucial step in addressing the growing issue of hikikomori in South Korea. It aims to break the cycle of isolation affecting both children and parents, fostering better understanding and paving the way for reconnection. By providing parents with a tangible understanding of their children’s emotional struggles, the programme hopes to enable families to navigate the challenges of hikikomori and support their loved ones’ journey back to society.
Hikikomori, a term originating in Japan in the 1990s, describes individuals who withdraw from society. In South Korea, a 2022 survey revealed that over 5% of 19- to 34-year-olds, or about 5.4 lakh individuals, were isolating themselves. The programme serves as a valuable tool for parents to connect with their children’s emotional struggles, often linked to the high societal expectations and pressures that characterize South Korean society.
