[These Days' Newcomers] Asking About the Power of Gongjeong

Asia Economy Newspaper 33rd Anniversary Special Project

Keyword to Bridge the Generational Gap: 'Fairness'

Older Generations Criticizing the 'Yozim Kids'

New Employees Frustrated by 'Latte-neun~' Expressions

As Long as Opportunities Are Fair, Results from Competition Are Accepted

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Eun-byeol] "These Yozim kids, you know..."

On Mesopotamian Sumerian clay tablets, writings were found criticizing children, saying, "Please grow up, why are kids these days so ill-mannered?" In the Greek classic Iliad, it is mentioned several times that "ancient warriors could easily lift stones alone and throw them at enemies, but today's youth are so weak they cannot even lift them together." Regardless of era, generational conflicts have existed in every country, and wisely bridging the generational gap has emerged as a new challenge for South Korea in 2021.

The topic of 'Yozim new employees' is hot. Discussions about new employees and the MZ generation (Millennials + Generation Z) have become frequent. The older generations, who have adapted to the realities of working life in Korea, are bewildered by the different attitudes of the newcomers, including even some within the MZ generation itself. The new employees feel frustrated that the 'Latte' generation (older generations who habitually say "Back in my day...") do not understand them.

As Asia Economy Newspaper celebrates its 33rd anniversary, listening closely to the stories of the 'Yozim new employees' revealed that the keyword defining the MZ generation is 'fairness.' Unlike the early 2000s when South Korea's economic growth rate was between 5-10%, growth has slowed recently, and there are fewer fruits to share, making competition fiercer. Therefore, the current new employees believe that as long as opportunities are fair, they will accept any outcome. This is why Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, gained support from younger generations, and why the issue of selective welfare in IT companies, as well as controversies over misogyny and misandry, reflect the current era’s focus on 'fairness.' The dramatic shift in party approval ratings between the Democratic Party and the United Future Party within a year also stems from the 'fairness' issue turning into 'naeronambul' (double standards: "If I do it, it's romance; if others do it, it's scandal"). To bridge the deeply entrenched generational gap, the 'power of fairness' is essential.

Another reason for demanding 'fairness' is that these new employees have lived in a digital world from birth and are the protagonists of the hyper-connected era. Professor Seo Yong-gu of Sookmyung Women’s University’s Department of Business Administration said, "The Yozim new employees, as protagonists of the hyper-connected era, do not hesitate to share their thoughts with others and are accustomed to exchanging ideas. Keywords that transcend generations include respect for others' lives, gender equality, and a desire for a horizontal yet fair society."

As time passes, these Yozim new employees will become the backbone of our economy, responsible for the next generation. They bear heavy burdens such as managing the rapidly increasing debt due to COVID-19, saving their salaries to buy homes, adapting to changing industrial structures, and seeking new sources of income. For a new backbone of our economy to be formed, Yozim new employees and the Latte generation must understand and accept each other. Professor Kim Gye-su of Semyung University’s Department of Business Administration said, "Changing titles or similar measures to alter organizational culture are only superficial methods. It is important to share the recognition that a corporate culture where everyone?from CEOs to new employees?can fairly and creatively express their ideas is a new source of competitiveness."