제 27 호 The Rise of the ‘Kangaroo Tribe’ in Korea’s Youth
Kicker: SOCIETY
The Rise of the ‘Kangaroo Tribe’ in Korea’s Youth
By Hae-In Noh, Cup-reporter
Do you know the word 'Kangaroo Tribe' In Korea, the term “Kangaroo Tribe” has become increasingly familiar among young people. It refers to adults who continue living with their parents without achieving financial independence, a phrase derived from the image of a kangaroo unable to leave its mother’s pouch. Although this phenomenon first appeared in the late 1990s and early 2000s, it has recently expanded due to factors such as youth unemployment, soaring housing costs, and unstable job conditions.
According to recent statistics, as of 2024, 54.4% of young people aged 19 to 34 live with their parents, with the rate reaching 56.0% among those aged 25 to 29. Thus, the “Kangaroo Tribe” is not merely a matter of personal choice but a significant social phenomenon that reflects Korea’s economic realities and the struggles of its younger generation.
The difficulties young Koreans face in achieving economic independence
Young Koreans face significant hurdles in achieving economic independence. Stalled wage growth and limited entry-level opportunities leave many with stagnant income prospects. At the same time, skyrocketing housing costs and tightening credit make it nearly impossible to move out—especially in high-rent regions like the Greater Seoul metropolitan area, where housing burdens are particularly intense. Furthermore, employment has become increasingly unstable, characterized by long job searches—graduates now wait an average of 11.5 months for their first job, which result in temporary or part-time positions.
Impact on society
This phenomenon has become a prominent social issue because it leads to a wide range of serious consequences. It not only delays retirement planning but also increases emotional stress, threatening the physical and mental well-being of the parents generation. Economic dependence within families heightens intergenerational tensions, as young adults struggle to achieve emotional autonomy despite relying financially on their parents, weakening communication and mutual respect. In addition, key life milestones such as graduation, employment, marriage, and independent living are increasingly postponed, signaling broader social stagnation and spreading anxiety across generations. Most critically, the delay in marriage and childbirth is accelerating South Korea’s ultra-low birth rate, posing a long-term threat to the country’s economic sustainability and social vitality.
The rise of the “Kangaroo Tribe” is not merely an individual predicament—it is a structural outcome rooted in Korea’s socio-economic system. This trend lays bare how systemic obstacles delay youth independence and reshape societal norms. It is essential to view this phenomenon not as failure but as a collective signal urging policy intervention. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive measures: expanding stable job opportunities, stabilizing housing affordability, and promoting equitable upward mobility. The future of Korea’s youth—and the health of its society—depends on crafting policies that transform the “Kangaroo Tribe” from a symptom into a springboard toward sustainable independence.
Sources:
https://www.newsis.com/view/NISX20250311_0003094021?
https://www.joongang.co.kr/article/21305030
https://news.lghellovision.net/news/articleView.html?idxno=474775
