제 28 호 Extreme Korea
Kicker : Society
Extreme Korea
Moderation has disappeared, only extremes remain.
By Myung-Kwan Kang, Editor-in-chief
In an era marked by soaring living costs and plummeting birth rates, moderation is gradually disappearing in Korea. From consumption patterns to educational infrastructure, the housing market to career choices, polarization has permeated every aspect of daily life. Moderate options that once offered stability and comfort are disappearing and citizens are forced to choose between extremes. This unsettling trend reflects a society in which living a normal and balanced life is becoming increasingly impossible.
The Rise of Polarized Consumption
In 2025, Korean college students are experiencing the phenomenon of consumer polarization firsthand. While many students facing economic hardship, prioritize value for money and accessibility by cutting back on essentials like food, dining out, and clothing while also relying on low-priced items and second-hand transactions, some upper-class college students are actively spending on luxury brands, premium sneakers, and limited-edition items, by engaging in "flex consumption." In particular, as high inflation, high interest rates, and high exchange rates constrain overall spending power, income disparities materialize into consumption discrimination, widening the psychological distance between classes.
Collapse of Educational Infrastructure
Educational polarization is also emerging as a serious problem in universities. The declining school-age population and the sharp decline in freshmen at local universities are severely threatening the educational infrastructure of universities outside the metropolitan area. While prestigious universities in the metropolitan area offer abundant educational opportunities such as exchange programs, overseas internships, and extracurricular programs, local universities and small private colleges face disadvantages due to outdated facilities and limited job opportunities. Parental financial status and residential location are decisive factors in determining academic and career opportunities, exacerbating the "starting point inequality."
A Society Without Moderation
This polarization, coupled with the unchecked consumption culture throughout society, exacerbates conflict and imbalance. The gap between the majority who complain of economic hardship, and the minority who enjoy lavish spending, manifests as "conspicuous consumption," undermining a sense of community and contributing to social unrest. At the same time, psychological anxiety stemming from future uncertainty fuels the pursuit of short-term stimuli, leading to the spread of consumption patterns that lack restraint and balance. This in turn leads to a vicious cycle that further exacerbates the decline in economic independence and quality of life among the younger generation.
The polarization of consumption and education in Korean society, as perceived by college students, extends beyond simple economic disparities to include inequality of social opportunity, psychological conflict, and the breakdown of communities. Therefore, fundamental policy solutions and the formation of a social consensus remain urgent tasks.
Sources:
https://youtu.be/l26WJkp88J0?si=-nyEaqR5ssQzekjQ
https://seo.goover.ai/report/202506/go-public-report-ko-fd97050b-5b29-4023-9407-8f6cb6f3108b-0-0.html
https://alphabiz.co.kr/news/view/1065574844827190
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https://www.khan.co.kr/article/202409252028015
https://www.trendmonitor.co.kr/tmweb/trend/allTrend/detail.do?bIdx=3214&code=0401&trendType=CKOREA
https://edumorning.com/articles/794
