While many other developed countries are observing a similar phenomenon, experts say South Korea's fast social development and politicization of gender issues make its case particularly intense.
A growing number of South Korea's young adults are isolating themselves from society, raising questions about the state of youths in a country known for cutthroat competition and pressure to conform.
The ruling could ease the legal troubles for the Samsung heir less than two years after he was pardoned of bribing a former president in a scandal that toppled a previous South Korean government.
Residents of a South Korean island attacked by North Korea in 2010 fear it could become a flashpoint again. They hid in air raid shelters in early January after North Korea conducted artillery drills.
A gift accepted by the country's first lady has set off very public debates about ethics and revealed ruling party divisions just weeks before legislative elections.
The bill would make the slaughtering, breeding, trade and sales of dog meat for human consumption illegal from 2027 and punish such acts with 2-3 years in prison.