Seoul, South Korea – South Korea's 40-year-old workforce, a critical pillar of the nation's economy, has continued to decline, reaching its lowest level in two decades.

According to data released by Statistics Korea on Tuesday, the number of employed individuals in their 40s dropped by 81,000 last year to 6.179 million. This marks a significant decline from the previous year and represents the smallest workforce in this age group since 2003.

The shrinking workforce can be attributed to several factors, including demographic changes and a sluggish domestic economy.

Aging Population and Economic Slump

South Korea's aging population is a primary driver of the decline. The 40-year-old population has been steadily decreasing since 2014, reaching 7.81 million last year. This demographic shift has directly impacted the labor market.

Additionally, a prolonged downturn in South Korea's domestic economy, particularly in industries like construction, retail, and real estate where many 40-year-olds are employed, has exacerbated the job market challenges faced by this age group. These sectors have been struggling due to a combination of factors, including weak consumer spending and a sluggish housing market.

Early Retirement

Another contributing factor to the declining 40s workforce is the trend of early retirement. According to Statistics Korea's survey on older workers, the average age at which individuals retired from their longest-held jobs was 49.4 in 2022, suggesting that many are leaving the workforce earlier than in previous years.

Implications for the Economy

The shrinking 40s workforce poses significant challenges for South Korea's economy. This age group has traditionally played a crucial role in driving economic growth, and their declining numbers could have far-reaching implications for productivity, consumption, and social security.