People in their 20s give up job searches amid sluggish employment
Updated
Updated · 매일경제 · Apr 27
People in their 20s give up job searches amid sluggish employment
12 articles · Updated · 매일경제 · Apr 27
As of March, 73,407 young people in their 20s abandoned job searches, accounting for 20.7% of all discouraged workers, the highest among age groups.
Youth employment indicators worsened, with 167,000 fewer employed in their 20s year-on-year and the unemployment rate rising to 7.6%, the highest in five years.
Structural changes, AI adoption, and company hiring preferences are driving the trend, prompting government plans for a 'Youth New Deal' to expand work experience and strengthen job competency.
As youth joblessness soars, which nations have found the secret to building future-proof careers?
With a shrinking labor force, why are companies making it harder for new talent to get hired?
Is the surge in discouraged youth a labor market failure or a brewing mental health epidemic?
As AI transforms entry-level roles, is the traditional career path officially dead for the new generation?
Beyond a degree, what are the key skills that allow job seekers to bypass AI screeners?
The Low-Hire Economy: How Entry-Level Job Postings Fell 35% and What It Means for Young Adults
Overview
In late 2025 and early 2026, young adults face a tough job market marked by soaring youth unemployment and widespread underemployment. Employers, cautious due to economic uncertainty and rising labor costs, have adopted a 'low-fire, low-hire' approach, drastically reducing entry-level job openings by about 35%. This scarcity, combined with higher experience demands and AI-driven automation replacing junior tasks, makes it harder for young people to find suitable roles. The resulting stress and frustration have led many to shift toward blue-collar careers, attracted by job security and competitive pay. Despite these challenges, college degrees still hold long-term value, and growth sectors like healthcare and skilled trades offer promising opportunities.