Young say new retiring age is correct

Almost eight out of 10 Koreans in their 20s and 30s said they approve of a rise in the retirement age to 60, a survey showed.

The National Assembly passed a law to extend the retirement age on April 30.

Saramin, one of the nation’s leading job portals, said it surveyed 1,737 males and females in their 20s to 30s between last Tuesday and Friday and a sweeping 77.6 percent said they support the idea.

63.5 percent said they support it as it is a necessary measure for an aging society and 36.3 percent said employees can work more stably.

33.9 percent said they approve because companies can utilize the know-how of experienced workers, 28.6 percent said it can counter poverty and economic polarization of the older set and 24.8 percent said they support it as they will benefit from the law later in life. Multiple answers were allowed on the survey.

When asked which generation should be given priority in the workplace - the young or those nearing retirement - 68.6 percent said the youth are more important.

50.2 percent said they expect to benefit from the extension of the retirement age.

However, 60.2 percent of the 389 respondents who were negative about the new law said it would discourage companies from hiring new employees and young job seekers.

33.4 percent said they oppose the measure as they do not expect to work until 60, 30.6 percent said it would be trouble for human resources, 28.8 percent said it would be ineffective, 26.2 percent said the benefits are not evenly distributed and 24.2 percent said they were concerned about older employees neglecting their duties.

By Kim Jung-yoon [kjy@joongang.co.kr]