Karaoke Rooms in South Korea Face Sharp Decline

Karaoke rooms, known as "noraebang" in South Korea, have long been a staple of the country’s social life. Whether for a fun night out with friends or after-work gatherings, karaoke has been a go-to activity. However, recent data reveals a surprising decline in the number of karaoke venues across South Korea.

Karaoke Venues on the Decline

According to a report from the Korean National Tax Service, the number of karaoke establishments dropped significantly over the past few years. In July 2024, there were only 25,990 karaoke rooms operating, a steep decrease from the 33,000 venues recorded in 2017. This marks a reduction of over 25% in just seven years.

Pandemic and Changing Social Trends

While the COVID-19 pandemic dealt a heavy blow to the karaoke industry, forcing many venues to close temporarily, the decline cannot be attributed solely to the virus. Emerging social trends, particularly among younger generations, are also influencing the shift. More people are embracing solo activities like "honbap" (eating alone) and "honsool" (drinking alone), reducing the demand for group entertainment like karaoke. Additionally, the once-common after-work social gatherings, known as "hoesik," are also becoming less frequent, further impacting the industry.

A Changing Social Landscape

Karaoke first arrived in South Korea from Japan, with the first machine appearing in Busan in 1991. The industry flourished throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. However, with changing social habits and the lingering effects of the pandemic, karaoke rooms are now struggling to stay afloat, signaling a shift in how South Koreans socialize today.