Prime Minister Han Seong-sook said Friday that the advent of artificial intelligence technology and companies' tendency to hire experienced workers rather than young novices has led those companies to reduce their hiring of young graduates.
"The decline in youth employment is driven by factors such as the changing environment with the advent of AI and a corporate environment that prioritizes hiring experienced professionals," Han said during an interpellation session at the National Assembly on Friday, in response to a question from People Power Party Rep. Song Eon-seog.
"In the current landscape, corporations turn to experienced workers instead of creating job opportunities in general."
The employment rate for young people aged between 15 and 29 came to 44.1 percent as of August, down 1 percentage point from the previous year, according to the Ministry of Data and Statistics on Wednesday This marked a fall for the 28th consecutive month. The total number of young employed people also slipped year-on-year for a 46th straight month.
"Since young people lack places to gain professional experience, the government is collaborating with major firms to create opportunities to build their careers," Han told Song.
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