Feb 18 • 09:46 UTC 🇰🇷 Korea Hankyoreh (KR)

In the Age of Stock Investment

The article discusses the growing trend of stock investment in South Korea, highlighting concerns over income inequality and the mental strain on investors.

The article reflects on the increasing participation of South Koreans in stock investment, with approximately 15 million individuals reportedly engaging in stock trading. This phenomenon is accompanied by a shift in public discourse, where previously focused discussions on labor market disparities and wage gaps are now being replaced by graphs and analysis of asset inequality. The author expresses a mix of encouragement and fear regarding stock investment as a means for ordinary people to bridge wealth gaps, noting the underlying anxiety that comes with financial insecurity and the pressure to secure a stable future through such investments.

The narrative highlights the cultural transitions within South Korean media, where television documentaries have shifted from topics like philosophy and history to focusing on stock trading, indicating a societal embrace of capitalistic perspectives. The ongoing discussions around wage disparities are now being overshadowed by the more pronounced issues stemming from asset inequality. The author cautions that this growing asset inequality poses a far greater risk than wage inequality alone, culminating in an urgent need for collective action and support among the populace as they navigate this financial landscape.

The piece concludes with a reference to the organization’s effort to track workplace fatalities, dubbed "Corporate Murder of the Month", which acts as a sobering reminder of the risks faced by laborers. Despite the allure of stock investment, the reality of employee deaths, particularly during periods of reduced construction work, underscores the stark differences between the potential gain from stock trading and the grim day-to-day realities of workers. This juxtaposition prompts deeper reflection on the value of community and solidarity in facing the challenges of income and asset inequality.

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