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August Job Trends: Rising Unemployment Amidst Growing Workforce

9/10/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In August 2025, 328,000 Koreans in their 30s reported being "resting," the highest for that month.
Total employment increased by 166,000 to 28.97 million, continuing a trend of over 100,000 job growth for three months.
Job losses occurred in manufacturing (61,000), construction (132,000), and agriculture (138,000).
The unemployment rate rose to 2.6%, with 592,000 unemployed, a 4.9% increase from last year.
Employment for those aged 60 and older grew by 401,000, while those aged 15-29 decreased by 219,000.

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Story summary

In August 2025, 328,000 Koreans in their 30s reported being "resting," the highest for that month.
Total employment increased by 166,000 to 28.97 million, continuing a trend of over 100,000 job growth for three months.
Job losses occurred in manufacturing (61,000), construction (132,000), and agriculture (138,000).
The unemployment rate rose to 2.6%, with 592,000 unemployed, a 4.9% increase from last year.
Employment for those aged 60 and older grew by 401,000, while those aged 15-29 decreased by 219,000.