May Amid COVID-19... A Month of Concern, Not Just Family Celebrations

Increased Spending in the 'Month of Family' Brings Sighs
Anniversary Burdens Grow Amid COVID-19

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] This year, many people are sighing more than usual during Family Month. With the COVID-19 pandemic still not over, many are hesitant about whether it is safe to visit their parents. Kim (37), an office worker who has not been able to visit his parents for a long time due to COVID-19, gave up on visiting his hometown Daegu because his parents discouraged him. Especially for children whose parents are hospitalized in nursing hospitals, visits are difficult due to COVID-19, making it impossible to see their faces even if they want to.

The impact of COVID-19 is making even the 2020 'Family Month' seem meaningless. In addition to refraining from family gatherings, the financial burden feels heavier than usual. Ko (36), an office worker, also finds May, which comes every year, burdensome. Because various anniversaries are concentrated in May, expenses increase significantly compared to usual. He expects to spend about 600,000 won just on gifts for both parents and dining out. Since colleagues' and acquaintances' celebrations also mostly occur this month, he is sighing as he might have to dip into his emergency funds.

The burden is even greater for those with spouses and children. Song (42) has already spent over 1 million won on Children's Day gifts for two children, dining expenses, and pocket money for both sets of parents on Parents' Day. Running a small business, he feels the economic impact of COVID-19 more than anyone else, but he cannot just skip these annual occasions. Song said, "Since the beginning of the year, I have been planning my expenses to prepare for the large sums needed in May," adding with a wry smile, "I have to do at least as much as others so that my parents don’t lose face."

A survey conducted by Flea Market Job Search among 3,190 office workers found that 82.8% feel financial pressure when May comes around. The average amount spent on various anniversaries was calculated to be 487,000 won. The day expected to have the highest expenses was 'Parents' Day (81.9%).'

This is not just a problem for office workers. Job seekers, who struggle even to earn living expenses, find May, with its frequent family gatherings and anniversaries, even more burdensome. The 'receiving side' also feels uncomfortable. Many parents refuse pocket money from their children on Parents' Day or even firmly tell them not to visit. Lee Sang-rim, a research fellow at the Population Policy Office of the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, explained, "While the form and meaning of family continue to change, values and norms remain somewhat old-fashioned," adding, "In this situation, Family Day is becoming increasingly commercialized, leading to standardized consumption patterns."