South Korea Employment Falls 40,000 in May, First Drop in 17 Months, as Health and Services Sectors Add Over 290,000 Jobs

South Korea's employed population fell by 40,000 in May from a year earlier, the first year-over-year decline since December 2024. 16 million in May 2025. 9 percent.

The number of unemployed people increased by 25,000 to 878,000. 2 percent. 8 percent.

6 percent. kr. The manufacturing sector lost 140,000 jobs from May 2025, the largest decline since 151,000 positions were cut in February 2019.

Manufacturing employment has now fallen year-over-year for 23 consecutive months. The automobile and plastics industries contributed to the losses, Bin Hyun-joon, a senior statistics official, said. Recent export growth has been led by chips, which do not account for a significant portion of the job market, he added.

The agriculture, forestry and fisheries sector lost 121,000 jobs. The science and technology services industry lost 89,000 positions. The health and social welfare services sector added 212,000 jobs.

The arts, sports and recreation-related services sector gained 44,000 positions. The transportation and logistics sector added 36,000 jobs. The number of economically inactive people rose by 264,000 from a year earlier.

43 million. A job fair was held in the southeastern port city of Busan on June 9.