The Rise of the “Quiet Resignation” Trend in South Korea

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In recent years, a growing trend called “quiet resignation” has been gaining popularity among South Korean workers. Instead of officially quitting their jobs, more than half of the workforce in Korea chooses to complete only the minimum required tasks before quietly leaving.

According to a survey conducted by local job search website Incruit, 51.7% of the 1,097 employees surveyed admitted to silently resigning. This indicates that the “quiet resignation” trend is becoming more prevalent among the working class in Korea.

The term “quiet resignation” emerged in the early 2020s and refers to employees who only fulfill the minimum job requirements, refuse to work overtime or dedicate themselves fully to their work, and do not prioritize work as the center of their lives.

Supporters of this trend argue that “quiet resignation” is about giving up on career advancement and development, as well as relinquishing the responsibilities associated with their job. Instead, they focus their time and effort on other important aspects of life.

The survey revealed that 57.4% of Korean white-collar workers silently resign between the 8th and 10th year of employment, while 56% of those working between the 5th and 7th year also cease their efforts to climb the corporate ladder. Additionally, 54.7% of those who have worked for 17 to 19 years quietly contemplate quitting their jobs.

The leading cause behind silent resignation in Korea, as voted by 32.6% of the survey participants, is dissatisfaction with current company salaries and benefits. Other common reasons include “lack of interest in the job” (29.8%) and “preparing for a job change” (20.5%).

Interestingly, 65.8% of those surveyed consider their colleagues’ quiet resignations as a positive action.

Recent figures suggest that overall job satisfaction among Korean workers is relatively low, which may explain why many individuals opt to do the bare minimum and settle for a minimum workload at their workplaces. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), as of 2022, Korea ranked 35th out of 38 OECD member countries in terms of life satisfaction.

Domestic surveys also indicate a correlation between low life satisfaction and dissatisfaction with work among Koreans. In a survey conducted in January 2024, with 50,216 participants on the Blind app, respondents rated their job satisfaction as average, with a score of 41 out of 100.

With such low job satisfaction rates, Korean workers are now placing greater emphasis on achieving a work-life balance. Previously, an ideal job was often defined by high salary and social status. However, an increasing number of individuals are now prioritizing whether their job allows them enough time to pursue their true passions outside of work.

In a 2022 survey conducted by job search website Saramin, 71.8% of the 1,828 adult respondents expressed a preference for a workplace that prioritizes a “good work-life balance,” even if it means accepting a lower salary.

As the “quiet resignation” trend continues to gain momentum in Korea, it highlights the evolving priorities and aspirations of the country’s workforce. Finding fulfillment beyond the confines of their jobs is becoming increasingly important, indicating a shifting paradigm in the Korean labor market.

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