It's common knowledge that the younger generation is known as the technological age. They are exploiting the use of the internet, like no other generation before. With the uncertainty of future job prospects, the young minds of tomorrow's workforce are exploring different avenues to make money.
These young entrepreneurs are turning their hobbies and interests into ways to make cash. They aren't waiting until they leave university to start their business ventures and careers. This is happening globally, and South Korean teenagers are no different.
The days of employing minors for distributing newspapers and collecting milk bottles are now behind us. The youth are thinking outside of the box. Let's take a look at some of the ways South Korean teenagers are turning a profit in 2020.
Game Development
South Korea's gaming industry is one of the largest in the world, with an estimated market value upwards of 14 trillion. With this being said, children under the age of 16 are prohibited from playing online games between midnight and 6 am. This law is governed by the Youth Protection Revision Act. This was enforced to protect South Korea's youth from falling behind in their studies, an important element of Korean culture.
The opening of P.C. rooms created a rich gaming culture in S.K and is a popular destination for game-loving youngsters and adults alike. Here they can indulge in their favorite games away from the eyes of strict authority figures like their parents. Some of the most successful Twitch streamers are from South Korea.
With such passionate gamers in S.K's younger generation and a market that just keeps growing, many creative minds have turned their hand to game development. They have high hopes to be employed by some of the best gaming companies in the world, many of which are founded in this forward-thinking technological country.
Online RPGs currently trend the South Korean gaming market. There are now online platforms for RPG game making software. These talented youngsters are tapping into this software to create, showcase, and sell their games.
Dancing and Singing
Everybody has heard of K-pop, it's a huge part of S.K teenagers' lives, and they all want a taste of the stardom. To become a K-pop star, however, you have to go through rigorous training and years of practice before being considered by a scout.
Being signed as a trainee by a record label is the dream for many young South Koreans. If you can manage to turn your hobby of singing or dancing into a career, you have done what thousands or even millions have failed to do before you.
However, the release of such popular video sharing apps like TikTok, Youtube, and Afreeca TV has opened up a whole new world to content sharing. Korean kids are taking advantage of this and are creating and uploading their solo and group talents to these channels. Teens are paid by viewers subscribing or paying them donations.
Food Channels
Similar to creating videos that surround performance. Korea's youth are turning an important part of their culture into watchable content.
Many Korean families will research restaurants and reviews before going ahead with booking a table. Eateries are heavily advertised, and families will attempt to eat at spots where celebrities or public figures have eaten.
Watching people eat and listening to them review the food is known as "Meok Bang" in South Korea. It has become widely popular, with over 5,000 live shows being broadcasted online. 14-year olds Kim Sung-jin is amongst the youngest broadcasters on AfreecaTV. His channel has brought in 2 million won during one episode.
Final Thoughts
All over the world, new innovative ideas are being pioneered by young entrepreneurs. The next generation is taking advantage of the technologically advanced world they were born into.
It seems that South Korea is in a struggle between upholding cultural standards and modern living. This is due to the movement of their youth towards modern vices such as gaming and mobile technology.
From what we can see here, however, Korea's next-generation is only paving the way for their future earlier than normally expected with the support of technology. Following this path should not be discouraged. The future of employment in such countries will rely heavily on skilled I.T trained workers and developers, and inventors.
