[2021 Muyeongo Report] 3,025 Muyeongo Deaths Last Year Who Passed Away Alone and Lonely

<1>National Map of Unclaimed Bodies

Last Year, an Average of 8 Unclaimed Deaths per Day
10,757 Cases over 5 Years
Gyeonggi Highest, Followed by Seoul and Busan
Yeongdeungpo-gu Leads Among Basic Local Governments

[Asia Economy Special Investigation Team = Team Leader Ko Hyung-kwang, Reporters Yoo Byung-don, Jung Dong-hoon, Lee Jung-yoon] Those who face death alone, isolated from society, are classified as unclaimed deceased (무연고). They walk a lonely and desolate path both in life and after death. Even if they have family, there are cases where the family refuses or abandons the body of the deceased. With super-aging, social polarization, the increase of single-person households, and the added impact of the COVID-19 situation, the number of unclaimed deceased is increasing every year.

The Asia Economy Special Investigation Team conducted a full survey of 229 basic local governments and found that last year alone, 3,025 people were classified as unclaimed deceased, averaging 8 people per day. A few years ago, the annual number was in the thousands, then rose to the 2,000s in 2018, and within two years increased to the 3,000s. Over five years, the total number of unclaimed deceased reached 10,757. This includes all deceased whose year of death and age could not be estimated.

By metropolitan area (as of last year), Gyeonggi Province (2,140), Seoul (2,022), Busan (1,042), and Incheon (967) ranked highest. Among basic local governments, Yeongdeungpo-gu in Seoul had the highest number at 350. When measured by the ratio of unclaimed deceased per 100,000 population, Jung-gu in Seoul had the highest unclaimed death index.

Unclaimed individuals receive various assistance from the government, local governments, welfare facilities, and their surroundings during their lifetime. However, such support disappears 'after death.' Most of the unclaimed deceased the Asia Economy Special Investigation Team met worry more about what happens after death than during life. Some prepare for unclaimed death while still alive. The reason unclaimed death becomes a social problem is that it affects all generations, not just the elderly. Although the elderly still make up a large portion, dozens of young people in their 20s and 30s also die unclaimed each year.

The reason unclaimed death inevitably becomes a blind spot in welfare and policy is the lack of proper statistics. There is no central government-level management policy, and it is left solely to the discretion of each basic local government. Even this is ineffective. The departments responsible for unclaimed deceased vary, and even when they exist, it is just one of many overwhelming tasks. For unclaimed individuals, 'from cradle to grave' is an empty echo.

※ This article was produced with support from the Korea Press Foundation's government advertising fees.