The so-called “2030 generation,” which includes young people in their 20s and 30s, has given up on finding jobs. The tight job market has been a persistent issue for several years, yet the situation has not improved. Instead, it has worsened, as more young people are now choosing to stop job hunting altogether.
According to the Korean Statistical Information Service (KOSIS), the number of people in their thirties who identified themselves as “rested” reached 316,000 in February, marking a record high for the month. The “rested” category refers to individuals who reported that they were “simply resting” without any illness, disability, or intention of seeking employment. Since they are not actively looking for jobs, they are classified as economically inactive rather than unemployed.
Since September of last year, the number of “rested” individuals in their thirties has been increasing by 10,000 to 50,000 per month compared to the same period the previous year. Additionally, their proportion within the total population ranged between 4.5% and 4.8%, hitting its highest level in six months.
Experts note that many individuals in their 30s classified as “rested” are those who resigned due to job dissatisfaction. Among unemployed people in their thirties, a similar pattern emerges—most have prior work experience. This suggests a widespread trend of people leaving their jobs because they are unhappy with their work environments.
Just a few years ago, the primary challenge in the labor market was that companies preferred hiring experienced workers. However, recent statistics indicate that the problem has now shifted to fierce competition among experienced hires. As hiring volumes decline, even those with experience are struggling to find jobs that match their skills. This trend signals a loss of vitality in Korea’s labor market. With the working-age population expected to decline for at least a few more decades, the situation could become even more severe.
Meanwhile, the “rested” population among unemployed youth (aged 15–29) also reached 504,000, the highest figure since data collection began in 2003. Many young people are reluctant to accept jobs unless they come with high salaries or positions at large corporations. As a result, they spend years preparing for these coveted roles, but more and more are giving up due to the highly competitive and difficult hiring process.
