[2025 Unclaimed Deaths Report ⑥] "No Longer Someone Else's Problem... Urgent Need for National Statistics"

"Unclaimed Deaths Are a Structural Issue... Rapidly Increasing"
"Numerous Errors in Local Government Statistics, Hindering Policy Development"

"We now live in an era where anyone can become an unaccompanied deceased person. This is no longer just an issue for the poor or marginalized groups."

Kim Minseok, Secretary General of Nanum and Nanum, is being interviewed by The Asia Business Daily at the office in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yongjun

Kim Minseok, Secretary General of Nanum and Nanum, emphasized in a recent interview with The Asia Business Daily at the organization’s office in Mapo-gu, Seoul, that we are all 'potential unaccompanied deceased.' He explained that the rise in single-person households, DINKs (dual income, no kids), and the spread of non-marital lifestyles are increasingly rendering the traditional, family-centered funeral system ineffective. Nanum and Nanum is a nonprofit organization that supports the final moments of unaccompanied deceased individuals in Seoul.

Kim noted, "Funerals are usually arranged by a spouse or children, but for single-person households or those without children, it becomes overwhelming." He added, "Even when there is a spouse, there are many elderly couples who, due to advanced age, are unable to handle funeral arrangements." He continued, "People often assume that a nephew or niece can take care of the funeral for those without children, but under current law, nephews and nieces cannot serve as funeral hosts, and in some cases, they may not even be notified of the death."

The increase in unaccompanied deaths is palpable in the field. Kim said, "When I first started, we conducted about one funeral a day on weekdays, but now, including weekends, we are holding funerals for five to six people each day." He pointed out, "There will come a time when the Seoul City Crematorium, which is solely responsible for the funerals of unaccompanied deceased in Seoul, will no longer be able to keep up. Therefore, it is urgent to prepare measures such as opening additional memorial facilities and expanding staff."

Kim Minseok, Secretary General of Nanum and Nanum, is being interviewed by The Asia Business Daily at the office in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yongjun

He expressed concern about the prevailing social atmosphere of not preparing for death. Kim said, "People devote a lot of attention to living, but when it comes to their own funerals, they only have vague ideas without concrete plans." He continued, "Because death is treated as a taboo and people do not prepare for it, all procedures inevitably end up being outsourced to funeral service companies, leading to habitual funerals with no real choices."

Kim advised, "If you consider your funeral as your final act and a last gesture of care for those left behind, and if you discuss and record your preferences with those around you, you can avoid being swept up by market forces and instead have a meaningful farewell with friends and loved ones." He added, "It is important to explore alternative funeral options in this way to prevent people from dying unaccompanied."

He identified the urgent need for accurate nationwide statistics as a priority. Currently, unaccompanied deceased individuals are managed at the local government level, leading to frequent omissions and errors. Kim pointed out, "According to Seoul City statistics, there were 1,365 unaccompanied deaths, but Nanum and Nanum actually handled 1,391 cases on the ground, indicating flaws in the data."

Kim Minseok, Secretary General of Nanum and Nanum, is being interviewed by The Asia Business Daily at the office in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yongjun

He said, "If the statistics are inadequate, we cannot determine whether the deceased was an orphan, whether there was family who refused to claim the body, or whether the refusal was due to financial reasons or a severed relationship." He emphasized, "A unified national statistics system is essential for accurate cause analysis and the development of effective policies."

Kim also suggested improving terminology. He said, "Among unaccompanied deceased individuals, there are many who have relatives but cannot have a funeral due to estrangement or other reasons." He added, "Given the stigma attached to the term 'unaccompanied,' there should be a social discussion on alternative terms that more accurately describe these deaths in the long term."