It is no surprise that most teenagers want to acquire independence as soon as they become adults. Yet these days, it is becoming increasingly common to encounter people in their 30s or 40s who continue to live with their parents. In today's rapidly changing society, a social trend known as the “Kangaroo Tribe” has emerged, referring to a demographic of unmarried adults in their 30s and 40s who continue to reside with their parents. This unique phenomenon challenges the concept of independence in adulthood, raising significant questions within society. While this trend is prevalent in various parts of the world, its impact is particularly noticeable in Korea, highlighting differences in societal expectations surrounding living arrangements.

Kangaroo Tribes have recently garnered attention from the public and researchers in South Korea. According to The Korea Herald, approximately 48.8 percent of unmarried Koreans in their 40s live with their parents, deviating from the expectations of “adult independence.” This phenomenon has prompted an examination of the societal factors contributing to its prevalence and raises questions about the negative perception surrounding Kangaroo Tribes. Is it justified to stigmatize adults who live with their parents?

Living with parents in Kangaroo Tribes is often associated with feelings of shame and embarrassment in Korean society. Many believe that this arrangement hinders an individual’s ability to become independent and take on adult responsibilities. The prevailing notion that continuous parental support restricts personal growth and delays the acquisition of essential life skills. Moreover, Kangaroo Tribes are often blamed for South Korea’s low marriage and birth rates, as potential partners may view cohabitation with parents unfavorably. Additionally, Kangaroo Tribes are accused of imposing economic strains on parents, who bear the cost of their children’s living expenses, potentially hindering their own retirement savings and creating future financial challenges.

Despite these drawbacks, Kangaroo Tribes in South Korea is not a mere black and white matter. Living with parents may in turn bring financial advantages for adults in the long run. Yonhap News reported that Seoul is the seventh most expensive city to inhabit in the world, making it realistically difficult for adults to achieve independence. This is where cohabitation with their parents comes in handy, as adults will be able to make substantial savings by doing so.

Moreover, South Korea is currently encountering a severe unemployment problem. According to Creatrip, Shilla Stay received 1,500 applicants for 20 job openings in 2019, and it is common for competition rates to be over 100 to one. Living with parents could relieve adults of the stress of making a living and allow them to invest more in getting employed to stable jobs. Additionally, adults can assist their aging parents by doing household chores and providing daily care for them. This may involve physical assistance, emotional support, and the overall attention for the well-being of their parents. This shows that Kangaroo Tribes may also benefit the parents and the family as a whole.

Kangaroo Tribes should not be seen as a form of failure or inadequacy. Rather, they are an inevitable phenomenon influenced by cultural, social, and economic factors. Instead of judging or shaming adults who choose to live with their parents, society should provide more understanding and support, normalizing this demographic as it may help them to prepare for a better future in the long run