It's bizarre because presumably a very rich, progressive, westernized society that enjoys a very high standard of living suddenly decided to go the way of the dodo bird, while their frequently ridiculed and otherwise shat-upon neighbors are still trying to hang in there. Although they will probably follow as well, just not there yet.
From what i know from south korean society (just from testimonies & movies : I am aware this is limited) : people are pressured at work and consummerism and shallow "westernized" culture is the norm... Not what I would call a paradise.