Why Everyone's Talking About Dogs – From Superhero Krypto to Korea’s Puppy Craze

The Krypto Effect

Have you seen the new Superman movie?
Everyone’s talking about Krypto, the superhero dog who totally stole the show. Well, turns out, Koreans are also going through a bit of a dog craze right now—though it’s less about flying and more about cuddling.

Korea’s Rising Pet Culture

In Korea, the number of pet-owning households has skyrocketed.
More than 1 in 4 homes now has a furry friend, and small-breed dogs like Maltese, Poodles, and Shih Tzus are especially popular. There’s even a new word here: “petfam,” short for "pet family."

Dog Cafés and VIP Treatment

You can find entire cafés dedicated to dogs in Korea.
Yes, cafés—not for humans, but for dogs! These dog cafés are a mix of playground, salon, and spa. Some even throw birthday parties for their canine customers. It's Krypto-level pampering.

▲ Many dogs in Korea are treated like family members – even at cafés.

Yes, There’s Dog Kindergarten

And get this—there are even dog kindergartens in Korea.
Some pet owners leave for work in the morning, and a staff member from the dog kindergarten comes to pick up their dog—just like a school bus. This isn’t just adorable; it’s also a reflection of how deeply Koreans care for their dogs. Many dogs feel lonely when left home alone all day, and this culture was born out of that concern.

The Deeper Reality

But here’s something deeper:
In Korea, marriage and birth rates are at record lows. Many young people are choosing to live alone with their dogs instead of getting married. Even married couples are opting to raise dogs rather than have children. While Krypto may be charming, the declining birth rate is becoming a serious concern. Dogs may be filling an emotional space, but the bigger question remains—what is the future of family in Korea?

Adoption vs. Buying

In the U.S., the Krypto effect is driving more people to adopt rescue dogs.
In Korea, however, people are still getting used to the idea of adoption vs buying. Awareness is growing, but there’s still a long way to go.

At the End of the Leash

Whether it’s a superhero dog in a movie or a sleepy puppy in a Seoul café, one thing is clear:
dogs have become part of our hearts—and our homes—everywhere. Maybe Krypto just reminded us of what we already knew: life’s better with a dog.