Rocky companions

More and more young people in big cities are finding solace in pets. While many choose traditional companions like cats and dogs, or even more exotic ones such as lizards, the latest trend among South Korea's youth is quite unconventional: pet rock.

Yes, you read that correctly — a rock. This quirky choice is gaining traction on TikTok, where users showcase their rocks wearing mini hats and sunglasses, or even resting in tiny beds with face masks. Even some South Korean celebrities are embracing the trend, sharing their own pet rocks with fans on social media.

The pet rock, which first gained popularity in the 1970s in the US, has made a comeback in South Korea. However, this time around, it's less about novelty and more about providing a sense of tranquillity to the country's stressed-out youth.

Unlike pets such as cats or dogs, pet rocks require minimal care, making them particularly appealing to those seeking companionship.

"I'd occasionally complain to my rock about what a tiresome day I had at work," Lee So-hee told The Wall Street Journal. Lee is a 30-year-old woman who lived alone in Seoul until November 2023, when a friend gave her a pet rock as a gift, which she affectionately refers to as a girl named "Hongduggae".

"It's kind of like talking to your dog, and it can feel relaxing in some ways," she said.