Curated and analyzed by the JobGoneToAI team. Original reporting by khan.co.kr.
Youth Unemployment Hits Record High Amid AI-Driven Employment Concerns
— khan.co.kr
Key Takeaway
The youth unemployment rate has reached its highest level in five years, raising concerns about an 'AI-driven youth employment shock' as companies reduce hiring. Employment in sectors heavily influenced by AI, such as professional services and IT, has also seen significant declines.
From the Original Report
Last month, youth unemployment·employment rates were the ‘worst’ since COVID-19···Could an ‘AI-driven youth employment shock’ also hit 입력 2026.03.18 15:51 수정 2026.03.18 21:01 펼치기/접기 By Kim Se-Hun This article was translated by an AI tool. Feedback Here .
On the 18th, when the Ministry of Data and Statistics released the ‘Employment Trends for February 2026’ report, an unemployment benefit applicant receives counseling at the Seoul Western Employment Center in Mapo-gu, Seoul.
Kwon Do-Hyun Reporter Last month, the youth (ages 15~29) unemployment rate and employment rate recorded the ‘worst’ levels since the COVID-19 pandemic. The youth unemployment rate was the highest in five years, and the youth employment rate was the lowest in five years.
There are concerns that as artificial intelligence (AI) spreads and companies scale back new hiring, opportunities for young people could shrink further. According to the ‘Employment Trends for February 2026’ released by the Ministry of Data and Statistics on the 18th, the number of employed persons aged 15 and over was 28,413,000, up 234,000 from
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Original Source
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