韩国人，拒绝当牛做马

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by South Koreans due to a socio-economic model termed "compressed modernity," which has led to significant burdens on families and inadequate social welfare support from the government [2][4][22]. Group 1: Economic and Social Structure - South Korea has rapidly developed over the past 50 years, achieving what took Western countries 200 years, but this has come at a high cost to its citizens [2]. - The government prioritizes economic growth while severely underfunding social welfare, forcing families to bear the burden of education, elder care, and child-rearing [3][22]. - South Korea's social welfare spending is the lowest among OECD countries, at around 12% of GDP, compared to nearly 30% in France and Nordic countries [8][9]. Group 2: Welfare and Poverty Issues - The elderly in South Korea face the highest relative poverty rate among OECD countries, with nearly 40% living below the poverty line, defined as a disposable income of less than 5,300 RMB per month [12][13]. - Many elderly individuals resort to low-paying jobs or informal work due to insufficient pension coverage and benefits [14]. - The healthcare system lacks universal coverage, and educational costs remain a significant burden for families [15]. Group 3: Government Spending Priorities - The South Korean government allocates substantial funds to defense, with a 2024 budget of approximately 300 billion RMB, representing about 2.7% of GDP [16]. - Significant investments are made in infrastructure and industrial policies, particularly in sectors like semiconductors and automotive [18]. - Support for large corporations through tax incentives and loans is prevalent, with these companies often functioning similarly to state-owned enterprises [21]. Group 4: Cultural and Societal Expectations - The societal expectation is that families should manage elder care and child-rearing, reflecting Confucian values [22]. - Women face particularly challenging circumstances, balancing work and family responsibilities, leading to declining marriage and birth rates [25][26]. - Young people are increasingly disillusioned, leading to a trend of "giving up" on relationships, marriage, and dreams, with a total fertility rate of 0.72 in 2024, the lowest globally [29][26]. Group 5: Conclusion and Societal Shift - The article concludes with a sentiment from an elder advising the youth to live for themselves rather than for the state, indicating a growing movement among young South Koreans to reject traditional societal roles and expectations [31].