The Silent Struggle: South Korea’s Youth Unemployment Crisis

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The youth unemployment crisis in South Korea is a complex issue with deep-rooted causes and far-reaching consequences. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors contributing to this problem:

  • Key Factors:
  • World Economic Situation And Prospects: April  Briefing, No
    World Economic Situation And Prospects: April Briefing, No

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    Economic Downturn and Job Market Stagnation:

  • Economic uncertainties are leading companies to prioritize experienced hires, making it difficult for young graduates to secure stable employment.
  • The rise of ultra-short-term work indicates increasing job instability.
  • Mismatch Between Education and Job Market Needs:
  • There’s a significant gap between the skills acquired through education and the demands of the labor market.
  • Many highly educated graduates struggle to find suitable positions.
  • ”Resting” Youth:
  • A growing number of young people are choosing to be economically inactive, often due to discouragement from repeated job rejections and a perceived lack of quality job opportunities.
  • Labor Market Structure:
  • The dominance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with lower starting salaries and challenging work environments discourages many young job seekers.
  • The rise of gig work and freelance opportunities offers alternative, often more immediately lucrative, options.
  • Changing Values and Work Preferences:
  • Young people are increasingly prioritizing work-life balance and flexible work arrangements over traditional job security.
  • There’s a growing trend of entrepreneurship and freelance work.

  • Government and Local Initiatives:
  • The resilience of job-hunting youth during the global pandemic
    The resilience of job-hunting youth during the global pandemic

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    In response to the crisis, local governments are implementing various support measures, including:

  • Job-matching programs.
  • Financial assistance for job seekers.
  • Programs to enhance career exploration and job assistance.
  • Support for entreprenurial ventures.
  • These localised programs are attempting to fill the gap, while the central government is pressured to create more comprehensive solutions.

  • Consequences:
  • Covid: What do we know about global youth unemployment? - BBC News
    Covid: What do we know about global youth unemployment? – BBC News

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    Increased social isolation and disillusionment among young people.

  • Economic risks due to a shrinking workforce.
  • Potential for long-term societal impacts.

  • The situation is evolving, and ongoing efforts are being made to address this critical issue.

    Why Korea
    Why Korea’s Youth Unemployment Rate Rises – KDI – Korea

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