An estimated 248,000 South Koreans in their 20s are jobless as of March this year, according to the country’s national statistical office.
New: You can now listen to articles.SEOUL: Almost two years after graduating from a prestigious university in Seoul with a master’s degree, Ms Han Sung Ju remains unemployed.
Ms Han is among an estimated 248,000 South Koreans in their 20s who were jobless as of March this year, according to the country’s national statistical office. Experts said there is a need to help young workers – many who prefer to focus on non-traditional modes of work – feel more secure. The availability of safety nets and a better support system could encourage them to seek employment opportunities outside of bigger firms, they added.
Ms Han said she has mainly been applying for overseas sales positions, as well as roles in strategic planning and purchasing sales management. Besides these tests, which aim to gauge whether an applicant fits the company's culture, many Korean firms require jobseekers to ace English proficiency exams.
Ms Kim Doyeon, 29, who is currently attending such a course at the centre, hopes to be one of these lucky ones. She told CNA that the job market has become more competitive since the COVID-19 pandemic.
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