Dying for a better life: Thousands fake their funerals for life lessonsParticipants inside coffins during a ‘living funeral’ event as part of a ‘dying well’ programme in South Korea. South Korea ranks 33 out of 40 countries surveyed in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Better Life Index. In 2016, South Korea’s suicide rate was 20.2 per 100,000 residents, almost double the global average of 10.53, according to the World Health Organization. Funeral company Hyowon began offering the living funerals to help people appreciate their lives, and seek forgiveness and reconciliation with family and friends, said Jeong Yong-mun, who heads the healing center. Jeong said he is heartened when people reconcile at a relative’s funeral, but is saddened they wait that long.

Source: Standard Digital December 31, 2019 09:11 UTC