Things That Change in the Year of Eulsa That Become Blood and Flesh [AK Radio]

The year 2025 has dawned, the Year of the Blue Snake according to the Eulsa year in the 60-year cycle. The Eulsa year is the 42nd in the cycle and symbolizes the Blue Snake. The snake represents wisdom, immortality, abundance, and fertility, and has long been regarded as an animal that protects wealth. Embracing this meaning, let us look at the major changes and issues that will impact our lives this year.

First, the minimum wage in 2025 has been raised to 10,030 KRW, marking the first time it has surpassed 10,000 KRW. Based on an 8-hour workday, this amounts to 80,240 KRW per day and 2,096,270 KRW per month, showing a significant increase compared to 10 years ago. Military personnel salaries will also see a substantial rise. The monthly pay for a sergeant will increase from 1,250,000 KRW to 1,500,000 KRW, and other ranks such as private and corporal will receive raises of 100,000 to 200,000 KRW each. The government support limit for the Soldiers’ Tomorrow Savings Account will also increase to 550,000 KRW per month, expanding opportunities for soldiers to save a lump sum during their service.

Parental leave benefits will undergo major changes as well. The maximum monthly payment will be raised to 2,500,000 KRW, with full payment possible during the leave period. Spousal paternity leave will be extended from 10 to 20 days, and the eligible age for reduced working hours during childcare will be expanded to children up to the 6th grade of elementary school. To support single-parent families, a system for advance payment of child support will be introduced. For families not receiving child support, the government will initially pay 200,000 KRW and then recover the amount from the non-custodial parent.

Starting in 2025, a high school credit system will be introduced for first-year high school students. Students will be able to select subjects according to their aptitudes and career paths and must complete 192 credits over three years to graduate. The grading system will be simplified from nine levels to five levels. The Neulbom School’s care services will be expanded to cover children up to the 2nd grade of elementary school, providing education and care programs until 8 p.m. This measure aims to reduce the burden on dual-income families and provide a better environment for students.

The criteria for being considered a non-homeowner in apartment subscription applications will be expanded. Now, owners of villas and officetels will also be recognized as non-homeowners and given subscription opportunities. In the financial sector, the deposit insurance limit will be raised from 50 million KRW to 100 million KRW, and the amount refundable in case of remittance errors will also increase to 100 million KRW. Policies for youth are also noteworthy. The monthly limit for the Youth Leap Account will increase to 600,000 KRW, allowing young people to save up to 50 million KRW over five years. This is seen as an important change supporting youth asset formation.

Globally, 2025 is expected to be a year of significant change. Domestically, major shifts are anticipated depending on the impeachment trial results of President Yoon Seok-yeol. If the Constitutional Court accepts the impeachment, an early presidential election must be held within 60 days, with the political sphere closely watching the possibility of an election between April and May. The biggest international political variable is the inauguration of Donald Trump as U.S. President on January 20. Trump has indicated strengthening protectionism by announcing tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, and significant changes are expected in the Israel-Palestine conflict, the Russia-Ukraine war, and North Korea relations.

A notable feature is the aging of world leaders. Leaders in their 70s such as Trump (78), Brazil’s President Lula (79), India’s Prime Minister Modi (74), Russia’s President Putin (72), and China’s President Xi Jinping (71) are leading global politics. In contrast, North Korea’s Chairman Kim Jong-un, at 40, is relatively young. The German federal election and political changes in France are expected to influence European affairs.

This year has relatively fewer sports events. Domestically, the professional baseball season opening in March is drawing attention as it is expected to break the 10 million spectators record. In culture, concerts by OneRepublic (January), Coldplay (April), and Oasis (October) are scheduled, and Netflix’s original series “Squid Game” Season 3 is also set to be released.