韩国人，拒绝当牛做马

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by South Koreans due to the government's insufficient social welfare investments, leading to a heavy burden on families and a high level of societal anxiety [4][7][9]. 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 significant cost to its citizens [4]. - The government prioritizes economic growth while neglecting social welfare, resulting in families bearing the full responsibility for education, elder care, and other social functions [4][5]. Group 2: Welfare and Poverty - South Korea has the lowest social welfare spending as a percentage of GDP among OECD countries, at around 12%, compared to nearly 30% in France and Nordic countries [7][8]. - The elderly population in South Korea faces 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 [10][11]. Group 3: Government Spending Priorities - The South Korean government allocates significant funds to defense, with a projected budget of approximately 300 billion RMB for 2024, accounting for about 2.7% of GDP [12]. - There is substantial investment in infrastructure and industrial policies, particularly in sectors like semiconductors, shipbuilding, and automotive industries [14][15]. - Support for large conglomerates (chaebols) is evident through tax incentives and low-interest loans, effectively treating these corporations as state-owned enterprises [16]. Group 4: Family and Gender Roles - The societal expectation in South Korea places the burden of child-rearing and elder care on families, particularly affecting women who are expected to balance work and family responsibilities [18][19]. - The total fertility rate in South Korea is alarmingly low at 0.72, reflecting a trend where young people are increasingly opting out of traditional life milestones such as marriage and parenthood [21]. Group 5: Youth Sentiment and Future Outlook - Young South Koreans are experiencing disillusionment, leading to a phenomenon known as "N放," where they abandon aspirations related to housing, relationships, and dreams [21][22]. - The article concludes with a poignant message from an elder advising the youth to live for themselves rather than for the state, highlighting a growing sentiment of withdrawal from societal expectations [22].