South Korea needs to arrange stable jobs for millions of temporary workers in their 70s

An article published on June 18 in the Dong-A Ilbo newspaper of South Korea, titled: Nearly 1 million temporary workers in their 70s, the sad situation of South Korean elderly people According to statistics, among temporary workers in South Korea with a contract period of less than one year, those aged 60 and above have reached 1.986 million, the highest number since relevant statistics began in 1989. The number of employed people over the statutory retirement age (60) exceeded 7 million for the first time last month, of which 3 out of 10 were engaged in short-term jobs with low wages. The number of temporary workers aged 70 and above has surged by nearly 140,000 in one year, approaching 1 million.

While young people cannot find jobs, the elderly cannot leave their jobs for their livelihoods, and even worry about a generational reversal in the employment market. It is reported that the proportion of people aged 60 and above who are working or seeking employment has soared to 49.4%, surpassing the youth group (49.5%). Even in their 70s, the elderly have to endure poor jobs, largely because they have not made preparations for retirement in the absence of a sufficient social safety net. Although more than 90% of the population over 65 years old receive pensions, their average monthly pension income is 800,000 won (about 4,160 yuan) based on 2023, which is less than the minimum monthly living expenses of a single-person household (1.34 million won).

The poverty rate of the elderly is close to 40%, and 20% of temporary workers are over 70 years old, which reflects the sad situation of Korean elderly people who are forced to become the “working poor class”. We urgently need to explore stable jobs that can make use of the experience and knowledge of the elderly.