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Young Koreans give up their dreams of chaebol
Zing New Reporter Phuong Linh Hai Linh
Excepts translated by Don Southerton
Many Koreans no longer favor the traditional work culture of chaebol.
“Many young Koreans now prioritize work-life balance. They also don’t like the traditional work culture of chaebol (family corporations), which requires employees to be attached to the company,” said Lee Byoung Hoon, Professor of Sociology, Chung Ang University
In recent years, the picture of people’s ideal workplace in Korea is changing compared to previous generations.
In the Job Korea career portal’s “Dream Employer” ranking survey, Korean company Kakao has the top pick by university students for 2 consecutive years — surpassing Samsung and other major companies. Business empires like Samsung have dominated the rankings for years, according to Bloomberg.
Explaining this Don Southerton — a strategic consultant for Korean businesses — said: “Some Koreans now have other options than working for chaebol. — where it was once considered the only way to success.
But Southerton adds that whether one is working for a chaebol, a new technology company or a startup, that long working hours are still common in Korea, and “largely…
