In the first quarter of this year, the total number of wage employment jobs increased by nearly 300,000, yet jobs for those in their 20s have continued to decline for 14 consecutive quarters.
The National Data Agency reported on August 24 that the total number of wage employment jobs reached 20,828,000 in the first quarter, an increase of 292,000 compared to the same period last year.
Of the total jobs, 74.0% (15,416,000) were sustained jobs held by the same workers as the previous year, while new hires accounted for 26% (5,412,000). The number of jobs lost due to business closures or downsizing was recorded at 1,934,000.
By age group, jobs for those under 20 decreased by 76,000 compared to the previous year, marking a 14-quarter decline. Jobs for those in their 40s also fell by 19,000, continuing an 11-quarter downward trend.
In contrast, job growth was observed among those aged 60 and older, with an increase of 233,000 jobs, while those in their 30s saw an increase of 115,000 jobs, and those in their 50s gained 40,000 jobs. Notably, the increase in jobs for those in their 30s reached an all-time high.
Sector-wise, the construction and real estate industries showed significant weakness, while jobs in health and social welfare, as well as accommodation and food services, increased.
The construction sector lost 52,000 jobs over the past year, marking its 10th consecutive quarter of decline. Additionally, the manufacturing sector and real estate sector each saw a decrease of 1,000 jobs.
The increase in jobs for older adults has driven growth in the health and social welfare sector, which saw an increase of 127,000 jobs compared to the previous year, with 93,000 of those jobs being for individuals aged 60 and older.
Jobs in the accommodation and food services sector increased by 59,000, influenced by the February holiday season, while the professional, scientific, and technical sector also saw an increase of 37,000 jobs.
By organizational type, jobs increased in non-corporate entities (127,000), corporate entities (92,000), government and non-profit organizations (38,000), and individual enterprises (34,000). A representative from the data agency noted that the proportion of sustained jobs in government and non-profit organizations was high at 81.3%, while individual enterprises had a relatively high proportion of new hire jobs at 34.3%.
In terms of gender distribution, male jobs increased by 75,000, while female jobs rose by 217,000. However, the overall job distribution still showed a higher proportion of male jobs at 55.2% compared to 44.8% for females.
Sustained jobs accounted for 56.3% for men and 43.7% for women, while new hire jobs were at 51.8% for men and 48.2% for women.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.