Korea Joongang Daily
Korea JoongAng Daily

Record number of Koreans in their 30s took a 'rest' in August, employment data finds

A record number of Koreans in their 30s said they weren’t working or job hunting and were “just resting" in August. According to employment data for August released on Wednesday, 328,000 people in their 30s categorized themselves as “resting.”

2025-09-10

Young people drop from work force amid growing dissatisfaction with office life

According to the ministry on Monday, the number of these so-called “resting youth” has reached a record high of between 400,000 and 500,000 each month this year. Statistics Korea data show that 73.6 percent of them previously had work experience.

2025-09-02

'Resting' young people have cost Korea $38.3B since 2019, report claims

Young Koreans who are not employed or seeking jobs have cost the economy $38.3 billion in five years, according to the Federation of Korean Industries.

2025-08-18

Young Koreans are 'taking breaks' from their jobs — and their parents aren't sure when they can retire

A growing number of young Koreans are exiting the work force, impacting older generations and contributing to labor market challenges and potential social isolation.

2025-07-16

75% of unemployed young people say Korea doesn't have enough quality jobs, survey finds

More than three out of four unemployed young Koreans believe there is a lack of quality employment opportunities in the country, a survey showed Tuesday.

2025-04-22

Resurgence in long-term unemployment hits young Koreans hard

The number of young Koreans facing long-term unemployment rose in 2024, breaking a four-year streak of improvement and raising alarm about the nation’s labor market, according to a report released Tuesday by the Korea Enterprises Federation (KEF).

2025-04-08

Retirement-age Koreans still support parents and children

While the age of 60 is often seen as a time for retirement and self-care, many Koreans are facing the burden of supporting both their parents and adult children.

2024-08-28

Korea adds 300,000 jobs in January but fewer young adults employed

Older workers saw the most gains. More than 350,000 adults above the age of 60 accounted for jobs added in January.

2024-02-16

Korea's jobless rate hits near 2-year high in December as people return to workforce

Korea's on-year employment grew at a slower pace in 2023, but the employment rate reached a record high, led by job gains for those in their 60s and in the caretaking and manufacturing sectors.

2024-01-10

Chinese imports causing thousands of regional Korean jobs to disappear

The increase in imports of manufactured goods from China is negatively affecting regional employment in Korea, according to a report shown on Thursday.

2024-01-09