Middle East Risks and AI Deepen Korea’s Job Chill as Youth Hiring Stays Weak

Korea’s labor market is facing a deeper chill as prolonged Middle East tensions and the spread of artificial intelligence weigh on hiring. According to the National Data Office on the 13th, the increase in employed people aged 15 and older last month fell to the lowest level in 16 months, while the employment rate turned downward for the first time in 16 months. The original report pointed to high oil prices and weak domestic demand, along with a sharp decline in professional, scientific and technical service jobs that had supported the labor market. Job seekers say entry-level openings are shrinking and employers are shifting toward experienced hires. The report also cited perceptions that AI has reduced the need for workers in coding and document-related tasks. Youth employment weakness has continued for a second year, adding pressure across the job market. Source: rss.donga.com