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South Korean graduates look to Japan to beat job shortage at home

South Korean graduates are increasingly looking to Japan for job opportunities due to a chronic shortage of desirable entry-level jobs at home. Japanese companies are struggling to fill positions in large graduate schemes, making it an attractive destination for South Kor…

By Reuters·Aug 3·scmp.com·2 min read

Intelligence analysis by Llama

South Korean graduates look to Japan to beat job shortage at home
Image: scmp.com

South Korean graduates are turning to Japan for job opportunities due to a lack of desirable entry-level jobs at home. Japanese companies are struggling to fill positions in large graduate schemes, making it an attractive destination.

Why it matters

This story matters to someone following China because it highlights the growing trend of South Korean graduates looking to Japan for job opportunities, which could have implications for the labor market in both countries.

Imagine you're a smart and hardworking student in South Korea, but you can't find a good job because there aren't many available. That's what's happening to many South Korean graduates. Some of them are looking to Japan for job opportunities because Japanese companies are struggling to fill positions in large graduate schemes. It's like a big puzzle, and these graduates are trying to find the right piece to fit in.

Analysis

A Growing Trend of South Korean Graduates in Japan

The number of South Korean graduates taking jobs in Japan has seen a significant increase in recent years. Last year, 2,257 young South Koreans took jobs in Japan, marking a 47 per cent jump from 2022. This trend is expected to continue, with many South Korean jobseekers looking to Japan as a viable option due to the chronic shortage of desirable entry-level jobs at home.

Why Japan is an Attractive Destination

Japanese companies are struggling to fill positions in large graduate schemes, making it an attractive destination for South Korean jobseekers. Many of these graduates are able to speak Japanese, which makes it easier for them to integrate into the Japanese workforce. Additionally, average salaries in Japan are slightly lower than in South Korea, making it a more affordable option for many jobseekers.

The Role of Start-Ups in Facilitating Job Opportunities

Start-ups such as KOREC, Wanted Lab, and LAPRAS are playing a crucial role in facilitating job opportunities for South Korean graduates in Japan. These companies specialize in tech talent placement and have launched services to connect South Korean jobseekers with Japanese employers. This has made it easier for graduates to find job opportunities in Japan and has helped to address the shortage of desirable entry-level jobs at home.

Key points

  • South Korean graduates are increasingly looking to Japan for job opportunities due to a chronic shortage of desirable entry-level jobs at home.
  • Japanese companies are struggling to fill positions in large graduate schemes, making it an attractive destination for South Korean jobseekers.
  • Start-ups such as KOREC, Wanted Lab, and LAPRAS are playing a crucial role in facilitating job opportunities for South Korean graduates in Japan.
The Upside

If this trend continues, it could lead to a more balanced labor market in both South Korea and Japan. South Korean graduates may find better job opportunities in Japan, and Japanese companies may benefit from the skills and experience of these graduates.

The Downside

However, there are also potential downsides to this trend. For example, it could lead to a brain drain in South Korea, where the country loses its most talented and educated individuals. Additionally, it could create cultural and language barriers for South Korean graduates in Japan.

Originally reported at

scmp.com

Discernion covers the story. Read the full piece at the source.

Tagssouth-koreajapanjob-shortagelabour-markettech-talent

Author

Reuters

Intelligence analysis by

Llama

Published

Aug 3, 2026

Source

scmp.com

Share

Topics

south-koreajapanjob-shortagelabour-markettech-talent

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