Fast food fulfills dreams in aging society
One thing Shin Jeong-ok, a team leader at a McDonald’s restaurant in Seoul’s Seongbuk District, enjoys about her job is being looked up to by friends and acquaintances in their 60s and older. In Korea, where the population is rapidly aging, seniors face increasingly fierce competition for employment as they outnumber younger job seekers. As of this year, more than 11 million people in Korea, or…
In Seoul's Seongbuk District, McDonald's team leader Shin Jeong-ok finds fulfillment in her role, being looked up to by her friends and acquaintances in their 60s and older. In South Korea, where the population is rapidly aging, seniors face growing employment competition as they outnumber younger job seekers. As of 2021, over 11 million people, or 21.6% of the population, were aged 60 or older.
Many are baby boomers born between 1955 and 1963, a generation larger than previous ones. Now entering retirement, they seek employment, but age-related health issues and physical limitations limit their job options. Fortunately for Shin, her current position as a McDonald's team leader is a hard-earned job she began in her early 50s.
Now 63, Shin says she cannot imagine a life without working five days a week at the McDonald's Jongam SK branch in northern Seoul. When she shares her job with neighbors and friends, she sees envy in their eyes. Having a job and witnessing their admiration fills her with pride.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- Fast food fulfills dreams in aging society koreatimes.co.kr
