Interest in Entrepreneurship Falls as Koreans Favor Stability Over Risk
 

A recent survey shows that South Koreans are becoming less interested in entrepreneurship and startup careers. Many people now prefer stable jobs with predictable income because of economic uncertainty. Overall favorability toward entrepreneurship dropped from 70.6 points in 2024 to 66.6 points in 2025.

The survey also found that interest in working for startups and venture companies has decreased. People’s willingness to become entrepreneurs fell to 52.0 points, while interest in startup jobs also declined. Experts say this shows that more people are avoiding risky career choices.

Professor Bae Tae-jun explained that there is a growing gap between positive opinions about startups and the desire to actually work in them. He said this is because people prefer stability and predictable rewards instead of uncertainty.

Even though almost half of respondents have thought about starting a business, only a small number have actually done it. The main reasons people want to start businesses are personal ideas and flexible work. However, fear of failure, lack of money, and lack of knowledge stop many people from trying.

Experts say that low entrepreneurial awareness is still a problem in South Korea. They recommend improving entrepreneurship education and creating a stronger startup environment. They also suggest encouraging people to see failure as a normal part of learning and innovation.

Edited using generative AI tools.  
Source : http://koreabizwire.com/interest-in-entrepreneurship-falls-as-koreans-favor-stability-over-risk#google_vignette

Comprehension

What trend is shown in the survey results about entrepreneurship?
What is the main reason people prefer stable jobs?
How many respondents said they had considered starting a business?
What percentage of people actually started a business?
What are two common reasons people avoid starting a business?

Discussion

Do you prefer a stable job or a risky business career? Why?
Why do you think fear of failure is so strong in many countries?
What skills are important for someone who wants to start a business?
Should schools teach entrepreneurship? Why or why not?
What are the advantages of working in a startup company?
What are the disadvantages of starting your own business?
How can a country encourage more young entrepreneurs?
If you had a business idea, what kind of business would you start?

Vocabulary

Entrepreneurship – the activity of starting and managing a new business.
Startup – a new company that is just beginning and usually focuses on growth.
Favorability – the level of positive opinion or approval about something.
Economic uncertainty – a situation where the economy is unstable or unpredictable.
Venture – a new business activity that involves risk.
Aversion – a strong dislike or avoidance of something.
Capital – money needed to start or run a business.
Innovation – the process of creating new ideas, products, or methods.