When it comes to remarriage, men and women who have experienced divorce—often referred to in Korea as "돌싱" or "single again"—are not always on the same page about what matters most. According to two recent nationwide surveys conducted by marriage information companies Only-You and Bienara, the priorities and expectations of these individuals reveal both striking differences and intriguing similarities.
The surveys, held between March 30 and April 5, 2026, reached 616 divorced men and women across South Korea via email and phone. The results, published by both JIBS Jeju Broadcasting and News1 on April 6, provide a rare window into the mindset of those considering a second chance at marriage.
So, what are the non-negotiables for these would-be remarried couples? For men, the top answer was clear: 38.0% said that "life vitality must be enhanced." In other words, men are seeking a renewed sense of energy and engagement in their daily existence. Women, on the other hand, prioritized financial stability, with 43.8% stating that remarriage "must be economically prosperous."
This divergence in priorities is more than just a statistical quirk. As an Only-You spokesperson explained to JIBS Jeju Broadcasting, "Divorced men are willing to take on various economic risks to remarry because they strongly desire to escape a dull and lethargic life through social support and marital relationships." For women, the story is a bit different: "Women hope that remarriage will allow a more affluent life, which can help heal, at least in part, the scars of a failed first marriage."
Despite these differences, both genders agree on the importance of mutual respect. The second most common prerequisite for remarriage was "must be respected by the partner," with 28.3% of men and 25.0% of women highlighting this need. It’s a reminder that, regardless of gender, emotional validation and dignity remain front and center in the search for a new partner.
When asked about other key conditions, the third most popular response for men was again financial: 22.3% said that economic prosperity was essential. For women, 18.2% cited the need for increased vitality in life, flipping the top priorities of men. The fourth-ranked prerequisite for both was "must be better than the ex-spouse" (men 11.4%, women 13.0%), a candid admission that, for many, the shadow of a previous marriage still looms large.
The survey delved deeper, asking respondents what qualities they hoped to be superior in compared to their future spouse. Here, traditional gender expectations surfaced. Nearly half of men (47.1%) wanted to be superior in "economic power," followed by "social status," "emotional influence" (meaning the partner likes them more), and "appearance." Among women, 42.2% prioritized being superior in "appearance," with "emotional influence," "economic power," and "social status" following in that order.
Bienara’s analysis, as reported by News1, summed it up: "In our society, when it comes to (re)marriage, men still place the highest value on their partner’s appearance, while women consider economic power most important. Divorced singles, regardless of gender, tend to have confidence in their own economic power or appearance and therefore hope to have the upper hand in these areas."
But what about the qualities they wish their future spouse would bring to the table? For men, the top two areas they hope to supplement through their partner after remarriage are "relationship maintenance ability" (32.5%) and "emotional stability" (29.2%). In other words, men seem to recognize their own shortcomings in maintaining relationships and seek out partners who can fill that gap.
Women, meanwhile, are looking for someone who can provide "life direction" (33.4%) and "execution ability" (29.5%). They also value "objectivity" (20.2%) and "emotional stability" (11.4%) as third and fourth priorities, respectively. For men, "life direction" (18.2%) and "objectivity" (13.6%) were also cited, though not as highly as their top two choices.
This interplay of strengths and needs is not accidental, according to the experts. A remarriage specialist quoted by News1 explained, "Evolutionarily, men have emphasized 'purpose,' while women have valued 'relationship,' making men less skilled in relationship maintenance. Conversely, men are accustomed to setting goals and living planned lives through work and business management." The specialist added, "Men and women have different physical, mental, educational, and experiential strengths and weaknesses; cooperation can create synergy benefiting both."
These findings also reflect broader cultural patterns in Korea, where traditional gender roles still heavily influence expectations around marriage and partnership. The emphasis on economic power for men and appearance for women mirrors long-standing societal norms, though the growing confidence of divorced singles in these areas hints at changing attitudes—at least among those seeking a second chance at happiness.
What’s perhaps most revealing is the mutual desire for respect and emotional support. While the specifics of what men and women want from remarriage may differ, both are searching for a relationship that offers validation, growth, and a sense of partnership that was perhaps missing the first time around.
It’s also worth noting that these surveys, conducted by companies deeply familiar with the matchmaking process, offer more than just numbers—they provide a glimpse into the hopes and insecurities of a segment of the population that is often overlooked. As the Only-You representative put it, "Men are relatively less skilled at maintaining relationships, but are used to setting goals and living planned lives. Women, on the other hand, have survived by prioritizing relationships. These differences, if recognized and respected, can actually become complementary strengths in a remarriage."
As Korea’s population ages and divorce rates remain significant, understanding the motivations and expectations of those seeking to remarry is more important than ever. The data suggests that while men and women may start from different places, they are ultimately seeking the same thing: a partnership that makes life richer, more meaningful, and, above all, more human.
For anyone contemplating a second walk down the aisle, these findings serve as both a reality check and a source of hope. After all, recognizing what we want—and what we need to work on—might just be the first step toward a more successful union the second time around.