When Japanese businesswoman Moe Kasugai was a student at Yonsei University in Seoul, she was struck by the fact that some of the most talented graduates of this prestigious university struggled to find employment.
According to reports, many young South Koreans – known for intense job competition – are looking to Japan as a new direction. Differences in corporate culture, more open hiring policies, and labor demand in Japan amid its aging population have facilitated this trend.
Many young South Koreans say that finding work at large conglomerates in South Korea often requires long-term preparation, high language skills, and accepting modest starting salaries. Meanwhile, in Japan, companies are actively recruiting foreign workers in fields ranging from IT and manufacturing to services.
Kasugai said she clearly noticed this shift through her networks and surveys. Many South Korean students she met expressed a desire to work in Japan not only for income but also for a less pressured work environment compared to South Korean office culture, which emphasizes seniority and process.
However, this trend also raises questions about visa policies, integration, and workforce competition in Northeast Asia. Experts say this is clear evidence that the regional labor market is moving toward closer ties between economies.
