As 2026 begins, young professionals across the Republic of Korea reflect on personal growth and societal progress while outlining aspirations for the new year. CGTN Stringer's interviews reveal a generation balancing individual ambitions with collective optimism.
Nutritionist Kim Hyun-ji described 2025 as "a year of professional development and self-discovery," while expressing hopes for family stability in 2026. "My greatest wish is to establish my own household while ensuring my loved ones maintain good health," she shared.
Restaurant worker Park Gi-hyun used maritime metaphors to characterize recent challenges: "Last year felt like navigating changing tides – sometimes calm, sometimes stormy. This year, I'm determined to anchor myself in financial security and personal fulfillment."
These personal narratives reflect broader trends identified by Seoul-based sociologists, who note increasing emphasis on work-life balance among Korean youth following pandemic-era disruptions. Economic analysts suggest such individual aspirations align with national recovery efforts as South Korea continues post-pandemic restructuring.
