Poll: South Korea has 'kangaroo' parents

SEOUL, July 4 (UPI) -- A poll conducted in and around Seoul indicates the South Korean capital is becoming home to a growing number of so-called kangaroo parents.

The Chosun Ilbo reported Saturday the Hanul Education poll of 276 parents indicates nearly 15 percent of all parents in Seoul may by dependent on their own parents for living costs and their children's education.

The poll, which focused on Seoul-area parents of primary or secondary school children, found 10.9 percent of respondents admitted to receiving money from their parents for use on their kids' education.

Nearly 47 percent of the respondents receiving education aid from their parents said the aid was given voluntarily. Nearly 17 percent of the poll respondents said they accept the funds so their lives are more comfortable.

No margin of error or polling dates were given for the poll.

Yonsei University sociology Professor Park Chan-ung said such kangaroo parents, a term used to compare the parent-reliant individuals to kangaroos who don't leave their parents' pouches, are a growing trend in South Korea.

"The second- and third-generation kangaroos are a Korea-specific phenomenon where parents take infinite responsibility for their children even after they are married," Park told The Chosun Ilbo.