‘갑자기 눈 떠보니 선진국’ 됐지만 인구 소멸로 인구가 사라질 위기에 있는 한국
집단에서 서열이 확실한 동물들처럼, 희망이 없는 개체들은 삶을 포기하거나, 결혼을 포기하거나, 아이는 절대로 낳지 않으려고 한다. 한국 사회에 만연한 자살, 우울증, 비혼, 딩크, 아이 포기 현상의 이유는 무엇일까?
유엔무역개발회의(UNCTAD)는 몇 년 전, 공식적으로 한국의 지위를 개발도상국 그룹에서 선진국으로 변경했다.
South Korea has experienced a dramatic transformation into a highly developed nation in a short period of time. South Korea boasts a thriving tech industry, renowned service sector, and global cultural influence through K-pop. The rapid ascent from war-torn nation to economic powerhouse is indeed remarkable. Yet, the nation grapples with a worrying decline in birth rates and a high suicide rate. This despair manifests in high suicide rates and a growing sense of hopelessness. Now, South Korea stands at a crossroads.
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development recognized South Korea as a developed country, marking a significant milestone. This shift is perplexing to a society that prides itself on technological innovation, a vibrant service sector, and cultural exports like Kpop. However, despite its rapid ascent, South Korea now grapples with unprecedented societal issues. It now faces daunting challenges of depopulation and societal decline. Many individuals, disillusioned by fierce competition for jobs and wealth, opt out of marriage and parenthood, contributing to plummeting birth rates and a surge in suicides.
In recent decades, South Korea has earned a reputation for one of the highest suicide rates globally and one of the lowest birth rates among developed nations. Socioeconomic disparities are stark, even within the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Experts note a unique reluctance to have children, unparalleled in peacetime history, which is rapidly aging the population and diminishing rural communities.
The education system, originally intended to foster informed citizens, has exacerbated inequality. Emphasis on standardized testing, particularly the notorious College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), perpetuates a cutthroat academic environment where success is narrowly defined and failure early in life can lead to lifelong setbacks.
As South Korea navigates these challenges, its trajectory from post-war devastation to economic powerhouse and now to a society at a demographic crossroads raises profound questions about its future course and the well-being of its people.
College admissions pose the greatest challenge in Korea, renowned for being intensely competitive and among the toughest globally. For most people, unless they come from exceedingly wealthy families, attending a prestigious university is crucial. This path leads to coveted positions in major corporations, careers as doctors, judges, or other high-paying professions, affording opportunities to buy property early and invest profitably in real estate.
Restoring politics must be our first priority. If political institutions fail to reform themselves, citizens, exercising their constitutional sovereignty, must demand and establish new political pathways.
Throughout its history, South Korea's citizens have played pivotal roles in every political crisis. From the April 19th Uprising against dictatorship, to the Buma Uprising and the Gwangju Democratic Movement led by students and local residents, to the 1987 democratization movement spearheaded by citizens and workers, and the 2016 candlelight protests that led to the impeachment of a corrupt president — progress in politics has always been driven by empowered and progressive citizens.
Citizens must act to reclaim fundamental rights: the right to live in a just, equal, and free society; the right to equitable education, housing, and opportunities; and the right to a dignified life with basic necessities like food, shelter, education, healthcare, and justice. This begins with citizens reshaping their political landscape, fostering public discourse, and devising strategies to construct a 'better country and society' through civic engagement and deliberation.
Addressing the severe wealth disparity and housing insecurity requires a social consensus on land and housing issues. The current education system, dominated by an oppressive entrance exam culture, perpetuates unhealthy competition and fails to nurture well-rounded citizens, undermining trust among teachers, students, and parents alike.
To avert Korea's self-destructive path and forge a new future, politics must take precedence. We need a politics characterized by reasoned progress and constructive competition and collaboration, transcending the divisive power struggles between left and right. This entails moving beyond populism, polarization, and blind loyalty, focusing instead on pragmatic solutions to current challenges. Effective politics should facilitate dialogue, reconcile differences, and envision a future that minimizes competition and educational pressures for future generations. Only through such measures can South Korea reverse its declining birth rates and ensure a sustainable future.
Even if someone from a wealthy background fails the entrance exam and attends a lesser-known college, their financial security often cushions them. They might invest in real estate, start businesses, or open stores, leveraging family resources. Alternatively, those with entrepreneurial acumen can launch ventures and achieve substantial wealth by founding companies.
For others attending third or fourth-tier colleges and working in small businesses or firms, earnings tend to be modest to very low. Without substantial capital or fortunate breaks in real estate or self-employment, financial prospects remain limited. This shortfall impacts their relationships, social life, hobbies, and overall quality of life.
Political solutions have proven inadequate in addressing these entrenched societal issues, failing to mitigate immediate social conflicts or crises. The prevailing political climate often reflects indifference and inefficacy, exacerbating the challenges faced by citizens.
The only solutions to this would be restoring basic rights and honest public dialogue. People need equal rights. Everyone deserves an equal access to education, housing, job opportunity, healthcare, crimical justice and a decent standard of living. South Koreans also need to live in a society that guarantees these fundamental rights of equality. These include equal opportunities such as equal rights to quality education, job opportunities and affordable housing in Korea.
The current education system, insane competition, focused on rote learning, and memorizing texts, needs reform. Less competition in education can create a more supportive environment; a key to reversing the decline in birth rates.
By addressing all the social inequities, creating a more equitable education system, and fostering healthy political discourse, South Korea can avoid societal collapse and build a brighter future.
댓글