Park, a 29-year-old resident of Gyeonggi-do, has never lived apart from his parents. After graduating from college, he has been preparing for jobs for over five years, relying on his father’s credit card whenever he needs money. Having failed multiple public service exams, he is now attending a baking academy to obtain a certification. Park said, “My father is about to retire, so I’m worried about how much longer I can rely on my parents.”
It has become common for young adults around thirty to live with their parents in a society where employment, marriage, and childbirth are increasingly delayed. As of 2022, 81% of South Koreans in their 20s live with their parents, the highest rate among the 36 OECD countries. This is 1.6 times the OECD average of 50%.
The delayed employment of people in their 20s is evident in the statistics. According to Statistics Korea, it took an average of 11.5 months this year for those aged 15-29 to land their first job after graduating from their final educational institution, an increase of about one month from last year. This is the longest period since 2004 (9.5 months), when related statistics were first recorded.
Since the situation is worsening, successfully finding a job, even if delayed, is a relief.
Kim, also 29, graduated from a private university in Seoul with a degree in business administration three and a half years ago. However, he still lives with his parents and works part-time jobs.
As of May. 2024, there were 238,000 long-term job seekers aged 15-29 who had been searching for over three years, accounting for 18.4% of the total unemployed. This percentage increased by 1.1 points from the previous year (17.3%) and is the highest since May. 2013 (18.8%).
Experts point to a mismatch between young people’s expectations and companies as a cause of this situation. Companies exposed to global competition and low growth prefer experienced workers, making the job market for new graduates extremely competitive. On the other hand, job seekers increasingly prefer large corporations and professional positions with good wages and working conditions, exacerbating the competition.
According to Statistic Korea, as of May this year, 31.7% of those who had finished their studies but were not employed said they were “just spending time” or “enjoying leisure activities,” rather than preparing for employment or being homemakers. This is the highest rate since such statistics began being recorded in 2008.
The excessive concentration of opportunities and resources in the metropolitan area also accelerates this “delayed society”.
Hwang Myung-jin, a professor at Korea University’s College of Public Policy, explained that the increasing desire to work for reputable large corporations in Seoul and the metropolitan area has resulted in extended job search preparation times. This prolonged job search delays other major life milestones, such as gaining independence, getting married, and having children.
He further added, “The severe concentration in the metropolitan area heightens competitive pressures among young people, raising the ‘standards’ for marriage and other life stages.”
Choi, a 34-year-old employee at an IT company in Seoul, shared his personal experience, saying, “I can’t save money because I’m repaying a loan for a small villa deposit.” He added, “I’m on the verge of giving up on marriage,” highlighting the financial struggles that contribute to delayed adulthood and life decisions.
While South Korea’s issue with delayed adulthood is particularly severe, this phenomenon is not unique to the country; other nations are experiencing similar trends. In Japan, for instance, prolonged economic stagnation has given rise to the social issue of “parasite singles.” These are young adults in their 20s who continue to live with their parents and depend on them for financial support.
In Japan, individuals aged 18 and older are legally considered “adults” (otona). However, true adulthood, referred to as “ichininmae,” is culturally defined as becoming financially independent from one’s parents and establishing one’s own household. This expectation of independence marks a significant milestone in a person’s life.
Lee Ji-pyeong, a professor by special appointment at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, explained that the ongoing recession in Japan has led to an increase in non-regular employment. As a result, the age at which Japanese youth achieve “ichininmae” is being pushed back. More young people are finding it difficult to secure stable, well-paying jobs, which delays their ability to become fully independent and take on adult responsibilities.
