More Than a Third of South Korean Youth Choose to Lie Flat After Three Years ofJob Hunting
Seoul, South Korea – A growing number of young SouthKoreans are choosing to lie flat after struggling to find employment for over three years, according to data released by Statistics Korea on September 19th. Thedata reveals that over 80,000 young adults aged 15 to 29, who graduated more than three years ago, are currentlyat home and not actively seeking work.
The term lying flat has gained traction in recent years, particularly in China, to describe a generation of young people who are disillusioned with the pressures of society and choose to opt out ofthe traditional rat race. In South Korea, this phenomenon appears to be gaining momentum, with the data highlighting a worrying trend.
As of May 2024, a total of 238,000 young adultswere classified as unemployed, having graduated (including completion, withdrawal, or expulsion) more than three years prior. This figure represents the highest level in the past three years (2022-2024). Of these, 82,000 individuals, or 34.2%,reported staying at home as their primary activity. This was followed by preparing for job exams (28.9%, 69,000 individuals), childcare and housework (14.8%, 35,000 individuals), and preparing for further studies (4.6%, 11,000 individuals).
The alarming statistic is the significant proportion of unemployed youth who have chosen to lie flat after three years of job hunting. This suggests a growing trend of young people giving up on their job search after prolonged periods of unemployment. The number of young people choosing to stay at home has been increasing since 2021, experiencing a rebound this year.
The data also reveals a rise in the number of selective unemployment cases among young adults. Between January and May 2024, 120,179 individuals were classified as selectively unemployed,representing a year-on-year increase of over 11,000. This group constitutes 31.1% of the total number of selectively unemployed individuals.
This trend of lying flat among South Korean youth is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors. The highly competitive job market, coupled withrising living costs and a sense of disillusionment with the current economic and social landscape, are likely contributing to this phenomenon.
The South Korean government has implemented various measures to address youth unemployment, including job training programs, subsidies for small businesses, and initiatives to promote entrepreneurship. However, the data suggests that these measures may not besufficient to address the growing problem of lying flat among young adults.
Experts suggest that a more holistic approach is needed to address the underlying causes of youth unemployment and disillusionment. This could include addressing issues such as income inequality, lack of affordable housing, and the pressure to conform to societal expectations.
The lying flatphenomenon serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by young people in South Korea. It highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of youth unemployment and create a more equitable and sustainable future for the next generation.
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