'Hell Joseon' blues: Young Koreans flee for a better life

Shim Jae-yun

"Hell Joseon," a term used to describe Korea, has become a potent expression of the country's deep-seated inequalities and structural problems. The younger generation, in particular, feels a profound sense of disillusionment and despair about the future. This sentiment is starkly reflected in the nation's low birthrate. The challenging social environment — where it is almost inconceivable to consider having and raising children — leads young people to lose hope for their future, threatening the very foundation of the nation’s survival.

A film that vividly portrays this reality is "Because I hate Korea.” The movie follows Gyena, a young woman who decides to leave Korea for New Zealand in search of a better life, away from the harsh realities she faces at home. Gyena comes to see life in Korea as a source of despair rather than hope, feeling that it stifles her identity and happiness. Her decision is emblematic of a broader trend among young Koreans who are looking abroad for opportunities and a more promising future, reflecting the deep-rooted structural issues within Korean society. In the film, Gyena is symbolically compared to a penguin named Pablo, who, disliking the cold, ventures in search of warmer land.

The "hateful" issues in Korean society are diverse and complex. One major problem is the rigidity of the labor market. Decent jobs are highly sought after but scarce, leading to intense competition. The pressure to accumulate qualifications and the excessive focus on academic credentials place immense stress on young people. Even after graduating from university, those who do not secure a regular job may be relegated to temporary or part-time work, which further undermines their quality of life. Consequently, it becomes challenging to achieve job security or to make long-term plans.

Additionally, the culture of hyper-competition erodes trust and solidarity among people. In a society where individuals are viewed as rivals rather than partners, and where exclusion and competition take precedence over cooperation, human relationships inevitably suffer. The younger generation, having been raised in this environment, often come to see each other as adversaries. This mindset fosters a vicious cycle of mistrust and anxiety, becoming pervasive throughout society.

An even more pressing issue is the pervasive culture that equates money with everything. In a society where higher-paying jobs are valued over meaningful work, material success is often seen as the sole goal in life. This focus on economic achievement over human dignity contributes to widespread moral decay. As a result, young people are left with a profound sense of disillusionment, struggling to understand their true life goals amid a culture that prioritizes financial gain above all else.

However, there are countries that have overcome such challenges. The Netherlands and Sweden are frequently highlighted as successful examples in addressing low birthrates. Both countries have developed inclusive and flexible labor markets that help young people balance work and life. For instance, the Netherlands offers various work conditions, including flexible hours, to help individuals manage their work and family responsibilities. Similarly, Sweden provides generous parental leave and flexible working hours, enabling parents to spend more time with their children. These supportive systems are vital for young people contemplating parenthood and have played a significant role in boosting birthrates.

Recently, The Korea Times hosted a roundtable discussion featuring notable dignitaries and experts. The panel included Dutch Ambassador Peter van der Vliet, Swedish Deputy Head of Mission Johannes Andreasson, Kim Sang-hee from the Ministry of Health and Welfare who oversees children’s policies, and Yi In-sil, head of the Korean Peninsula Population Institute for Future.

In moderating the debate, I highlighted the urgent population challenges facing South Korea. The envoys responded enthusiastically, sharing their countries' experiences and lessons. Their insights offered valuable and multi-faceted solutions to the demographic issues at hand.

Korea could benefit greatly from the examples set by these countries. Policies should aim to enhance labor market flexibility and develop a robust social safety net to alleviate hyper-competition. Additionally, fostering a social environment that values more than just financial success is crucial for helping young people rediscover their dreams and aspirations.

For Korean youth to escape the harsh realities of "Hell Joseon" and envision a brighter future, we must commit to collective action. This transformation needs to start now. The examples set by the Netherlands and Sweden demonstrate that change is achievable, and Korea can succeed as well.

Shim Jae-yun is a chief editorial writer of The Korea Times.