Life Choices and Financial Concerns of Young Couples

Young couples face financial challenges while navigating marriage and future plans, often feeling pressure from societal expectations.

### Reflections on Work, Marriage, and Future Aspirations
* 💼 Today, July 30th, marks the **end of the month and payday** for many, including myself, as I head to Gwanghwamun Station while contemplating the **lottery ticket** I still need to purchase.
* 💰 Despite receiving my salary, I feel burdened by the limitations of my fixed allowance of **400,000 won** compared to my wife's **300,000 won**, which doesn’t feel luxurious given our **combined expenses**.
* 🎤 During my time at Gwanghwamun, I engaged in interviews, discussing topics like **marriage, finances**, and the **challenges young couples face in today’s economy**.
* 💍 Newlyweds shared their experiences, revealing that while they enjoy being together, the **rising costs of living and housing** remain **significant concerns for their future**.
* 👩 Many individuals expressed the desire for a **fulfilling career** while balancing personal aspirations, with some contemplating **starting families** amidst financial uncertainty.
* 📈 A senior college student preparing for a tech startup emphasized the importance of **determination over financial background**, believing that success comes from **resilience and a positive mindset**.
* 💬 Throughout the day, various interviewees reflected on their life choices, with many acknowledging that they simply wish to **live happily and make meaningful connections**, despite societal pressures.
* 🌟 As the day concluded, I felt inspired by the diverse stories and aspirations shared, reminding me of the **importance of perseverance and hope** in navigating life's complexities.

Today is July 30th, and I just got off work. I'm heading to Gwanghwamun Station where office workers are leaving. I haven't bought my lottery ticket yet, so I'm going to get that. Since today is the end of the month, it's payday at our company, so I'm not feeling too heavy about it. Actually, I am feeling heavy. Even though I receive my salary, my allowance is just a fixed amount. Even if my salary and annual income increase, it doesn't really feel like it. People comment about how I'm living a luxurious life, but my allowance is 400,000 won, while my wife's is only 300,000 won. I can't stand the thought of spending 400,000 won while my wife spends 1,000,000 won. Other than that, our expenses go towards living costs, investments, and savings. By the way, is there a lottery ticket available? They don’t sell lottery tickets here? Where can I buy them?

Hello, everyone! I'm here to sell Speedos. Yes, please give me five Speedos. Finally, I'm off to deliver good luck to all of you today. Alright, if there's someone who seems to be acting like they know me, I would go to them, but it seems like no one sees me when I come to Gwanghwamun. Nobody pays attention to that interview. 

Hello, would it be possible to do a brief interview? Oh, thank you! 

Hello, would it be possible to do a short interview? Just for a moment, please. Oh, thank you! Just a moment, please. No, no, just once, just once. Really briefly, just about five minutes. My husband is right in front and said he saw me, so I was just checking in with him. Shall we do it together with my husband? Okay, I'll come. 

Oh, great, great! Wow, your husband knows me! You made a great choice in marriage. When did you get married? We got married last month. Wow, congratulations! That's wonderful!

Congratulations! Oh, it seems you’ve come here. It's nice to meet you. I often see you on YouTube, so it's great to finally meet you in person. 

Are you both working individuals? Yes, that's right. We got married last month. Oh, did we talk about that? So, you were both born in 1995, and I'm from 1992. How long did you date before getting married? Just a little over three years. How did you meet? We met during a study group. 

But these days, I’ve heard from people, including that single friend I met recently, that many are wondering where to meet potential partners. If you were to give advice to those people, what would you say? You should go to places where there are many people. For working individuals, joining English conversation study groups or similar activities can be helpful. However, one of the biggest reasons people are not getting married these days is the high cost of wedding preparations.

When you actually start, does it cost a lot of money? At first, we thought we could manage it within a budget, but as we go along, it seems to keep increasing. However, if we adjust and save a little bit here and there, we can definitely manage. The biggest concern seems to be that housing prices are too high. Honestly, if you're living alone, a small house doesn’t matter, but when you’re living together, you need to start with at least an apartment. We’re not at that level yet, but we’re looking for a villa that has a decent size and condition. 

So, after getting married, what is one thing you feel is the best? Being together all the time, having meals together, making all decisions together—it’s fun. Now, if you have a big concern, what would it be? I do have thoughts about saving money to move to a bigger, better house, and I’m also starting to think a bit about having a child.

If I hesitate about climbing the mountain, what do you think is the biggest reason? For women, there's the issue of money, which can be quite significant. It costs a lot, and I want to give something good, so I think it would be better to wait until I'm a little more prepared. Does the company you work for provide maternity leave and similar benefits? If it’s a public enterprise, then it should be a bit easier, right? So, you've just come back home? 

Oh, no, I haven’t finished work yet. The dress code is somewhat relaxed. Since I work in a field position, we have specific work uniforms. So both of you work in the field. If you were to give a tip, what would it be? I would say to take many exams. Even if I thought my skills weren't up to par, I still went and took all the tests. Even if it’s not the company you want, continuing to take exams to maintain your eligibility can lead you to a good opportunity.

I think there are many friends who are a bit hesitant to apply because they are worried they might fail. Regardless of the outcome, it's important to at least give it a try. We are trying to give hope to those who participated today. This is like a lottery; if you win, I could take 30% for myself, but I will give you 70%. Alright, thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. Yes, thank you. Hello, may I ask for a short interview? Oh, thank you. Oh, today I suddenly put on glasses because my eyesight isn't good, so I wanted to see you clearly. You look really fit. By the way, I’m a senior in college majoring in engineering. I'm preparing for a tech startup with some friends from school. Wow, is your school Handong University in Pohang? You came all the way to Seoul to prepare for this? Yes, we have two weeks.

I am currently on a business trip to Seoul, trying to meet many locals and understand what makes them uncomfortable. How did I come to have the desire to start a business? When I was 21, during my time in the military, I read a lot of books and watched videos about remarkable people. They were older, yet they had such a youthful and challenging spirit that I found incredibly inspiring. The dreams I had as a child and the mindset I have now, right before graduation, are quite different. Seeing my friends getting jobs made me feel anxious. Didn't you ever think, Should I try to get a job too? I don’t really feel envious or inferior. Everyone has their own path, and I have mine. The hardest part is that we often compare ourselves to others. How can I strengthen my own thoughts without comparing myself to others?

Can I have it? Oh, if I have it, I won’t lose anything, so I thought that if I do well, I should be fine. After that thought, I feel like I’ve been doing it a lot less. Don’t my parents oppose it? At first, they said to prepare for employment, not to start a business. But since I’ve wanted to do it since I was 20, now they just support me, saying to go ahead and do what I want to do. Now that I’m 25, what is the biggest concern I have? To create a global company, how can I lead humanity in a positive direction? It’s almost like a K-Room bus. I understand. We have somewhat decided on our startup idea. We’ve been developing it for a long time and have conducted market research. Luckily, we had a meeting with the CTO of a very famous group, and we thought, “This is something we can compete with.”

I don't think so. The moment I thought that, I immediately dropped it. Well, I don't think your mental state is in a good place right now, but your expression is very bright. However, there's a saying that starting a business requires a lot of money, and that only those born with a silver spoon can do it. What do you think about that? I don't believe that's true. I think it's an excuse to say that my background is too poor or that I'm not smart enough to pursue what I want. Moreover, having a lot of money does not guarantee success in startups. I believe that as long as you have the determination to never give up and a genuine desire to lead humanity in a positive direction, you will succeed. When I watched this video, I felt that it could be a source of hope. If you start a business, I hope it becomes a bit of a support for you. The total prize money is five times. Thank you for the interview. Yes, thank you. Today has been too much.

I smoothly hit the second milestone. My first job was in 2011, and I think I wandered a bit during that time. I didn’t really know what I should be doing, so I kept looking at what my friends were doing. It seemed to me that what they were doing was more stable, so I just vaguely followed along. But in the case of my friend, they have a very strong conviction that everything will turn out well because they are going to Mars. Also, those who are married seem really bright. I truly empathize with the idea that we can't have everything figured out from the start. Whether it's about employment or marriage, can I really say I want to live in a Gangnam apartment from the beginning of my newlywed life? That’s just a goal for later. Even if the start is a bit lacking, I think we can gradually improve from there. I keep wondering why we do this.

My armpits feel like they're about to sweat. It's really hot. Oh, hello, teacher. Can I have a brief interview? I hope it won't be too difficult. Nice to meet you. Hello, is it possible to have a short interview? Yes, nice to meet you. Hello, is it possible to have a brief interview? We're not bad people, and we absolutely won't ask about your salary. If we do, feel free to hit us. Hello, how are you two related? Both of you work, right? What brings you to Gwanghwamun today? Where do you work? I have a company in Yeonhui-dong, Korea Life. How long have you two known each other? About a year. How did you meet? We were introduced. How old are you both now? I'm in my 30s, and my girlfriend is in her 20s. These days, when friends talk, they mention relationships or...

I heard that you are avoiding marriage. How is it in reality? It seems to be half and half. Among my friends, there are many who are getting married, and there are also those who are choosing not to marry. Honestly, I think it’s possible to decide not to get married, but what’s the reason for getting deeply involved in a relationship? Maybe it’s because people are too busy to think about it. I don’t avoid dating, so I wouldn’t know. I’m open to dating. But it’s noticeable that it’s summer, and you’re wearing long sleeves and a dress shirt. Your commuting outfit is long-sleeved, but you could wear short sleeves. However, in our company, we tend to have to wear suits. How many years have you been working there? Yes, it’s been three years. During those three years, when was the most difficult moment for you? There have been many moments. How many years have you been at your current company? I’ve been here for two years. Originally, at my previous job, there wasn’t much work, so it was a bit boring. What would you say is the most challenging aspect of working at your current company?

Can I talk about it in my head? It's not a matter of whether I can or not. I feel quite free abroad, and I'm quite satisfied with the company I work for. However, just looking at the dress code, it seems like it would be a very conservative company. When talking about work, don't you ever feel like wanting to go abroad? The culture is so different that I'm surprised every time I speak. Lately, I've been asking what the biggest concerns are. What is your biggest concern these days? Is it about your career or something else? Have you ever talked about this? No, I haven't, but since you brought it up today... What kind of concerns do people in their twenties have? Since I'm in my late twenties, I also have some worries about marriage. I got my job a bit later compared to my friends. Do you have any specific goals or dreams in life?

I want to live well while disliking the process. It doesn't seem like there's anything grand about it. For now, let's just work hard. I feel similar; I just want to live happily. And today, we are trying to give hope to the interviewees. I hope they use it for good. Thank you. But when I ask people about their goals or dreams, many just want to live a normal life and start a family. However, living a normal life seems really difficult. I feel like I have a long way to go, and I empathize with that. I think all human unhappiness comes from a long lifespan. If the average lifespan were just shortened... Right now, I'm waiting for one of our subscribers. I think it's time for them to come. Oh, hello! Nice to meet you. Please have a seat. Oh, hello! Where are you from?

I'm here to talk about the women's center in Seocho. I also visited the library and submitted a request. As for the books, my original major was film, but it changed to marketing. There's so much to learn. I wanted to look at some books by the marketing guru Philip Kotler. While working, I wonder if such studies are really necessary. To make my arguments more persuasive, I need to show that I've studied. It's important for adults to see that I've put in some effort; otherwise, it can be hard to convince them. Sticking to what I already know can also be a strategy. I try to follow that while also exploring new things. So, your current work is in marketing, right? Yes, technically, I'm in the marketing team, focusing on marketing through video content. How long have you been with the company? It's been four years now. Is there a specific reason why you left the film industry and joined this company?

When I was involved in movie broadcasting, the system wasn't well established. There were instances where I couldn't get paid, and I ended up working too much. However, now that I've found employment, it's nice that my salary is paid on time. Right? Also, I have never contributed to the four major insurances, but it feels reassuring. There is also a separate retirement pension. 

Even though I had no experience or background in a completely different field, what were some good comparisons that allowed me to enter my current company? I applied for a position in PDL, and many changes happened within the company. Our team transitioned to the marketing department, and naturally, I began to take on marketing tasks. The company has a YouTube channel. We also have one called My Little Tire. That's right! When you go to places like Starfield, you can see it. Look, here's the toy for the kids.

I also have a child. Where is that from? That's originally from Samsung Publishing. It's Pinkfong, right? Yes, it's Samsung Publishing. Is the company good about work-life balance? Well, the work-life balance is really good. The benefits for pregnant women and maternity leave for flight attendants are very generous. By the way, are you currently pregnant? No, I’m not, not yet. It seems like there are a lot of women in the company, right? Yes, about 90%. But usually, when we see online, there are complaints about female-dominated workplaces being tough. How is it for you? However, there’s no issue with communication. When you talk, it often turns out that the other person didn’t have that intention at all. Also, most people tend to notice when something is off and ask first if something is wrong. It sounds like you work with good people. Yes, I’m satisfied with it. So, naturally, I...

I used to think I was someone who moved around a lot, so I wondered if there was really a problem with me. But perhaps the issue was with the organization. I can relate to that. I have been at my current company for about eight years, but before that, I never stayed at a job for more than a year. Every time I left, I would ask myself why I couldn't adapt. However, now that I have been with this company for a long time, I feel like something might be wrong. So, what is the reason you stay for so long? Well, typically, the HR team at companies looks for two types of candidates: one is married, and the second is someone with debt, which makes it hard for them to leave. But of course, it's a good company, and the work aligns well with me, which I think is important. Until now, I was only doing jobs that didn’t fit me, but when I finally found work that suits me, I experience a significant amount of joy.

I see. So how old are you currently? I was born in 1991. Back in my day, people often said that if you were over thirty, you were considered a bachelor. Did you ever feel anxious or impatient about that? I did a bit at first. But then my younger sibling got married first, and all eyes were on that. It made me feel like I was under more pressure. 

What are the qualities you look for in a partner or boyfriend? For me, it's important to be able to laugh together. It's a bit unique, but the style I prefer is more like a comedian or someone who has a YouTube channel. I tend to get along well with people who have an ENTP personality type. It seems like you're digging deep into this topic. If you have a specific goal in mind, what would it be? I want to study this area more.

I have a desire to try it out, and I think, Wow, my work is really draining me right now. I want to do well, but I can't believe it. The reason is that I also dislike studying, so when I really become ambitious about work, it seems to happen. Anyway, I have certain responsibilities I need to take care of, and I'm busy with many worries. How do you relieve that stress these days? I like to light things up, and during the summer, my friend runs a surf shop, so I go there to play. You're busy having fun, huh? But I feel like you haven't saved much money. Those hobbies can be quite expensive, right? Are you covering that with investments in stocks? Which ones are you investing in? If you could mention just one American stock, what would it be? Oh, what's the hot stock in the biotech sector? What do you think is the best? The one I hold the most is... 1:1, right? I'm just holding on.

What do you want to study in graduate school? Whether it's studies, investments, or even leisure, I hope you achieve what you desire. We are offering hope, you know? If you win first place in the lottery, what would you do with 1.5 billion won? Shouldn't you invest a little? In the U.S., there’s really only one ticket left. One ticket left. Hello, teacher. Could we have a brief interview? Just a short one. What are you currently working on? I'm involved in market analysis and classification. It’s quite urgent. So, how long have you been with the large company? I've been there for seven years. Wow, that’s impressive. Companies like Daehan Telecom offer good benefits and high salaries. What would you say is the best benefit? Employee discounts. We get a 40% discount at Olive Young. Wow, that’s a significant discount! Yes, they really give us a lot. Why are you being so cautious?

Did you feel comfortable while working? Were there moments when you wanted to quit because it was too difficult? No, I don't think I've had that yet. I'm satisfied with my work. What is your biggest concern these days? Since the college entrance exam has been extended, I wonder what I will do to make a living if I start working at 55. How are you preparing for that? I'm just doing some financial planning and additionally trying to create some side income by utilizing my skills. By the way, do you have any thoughts about marriage? If you decided to get married, what was the reason? I think it’s because they are very kind and reliable friends who can understand each other and support one another during tough times. Nowadays, I hear that many young people are hesitant about marriage. Was it difficult for you to make a decision? Both of us are open to the idea of marriage.

I think I have a bit of attachment to my family, so I haven't thought much about marriage. There's a saying that many people in large companies get married, but looking at my team members and colleagues, it seems like everyone except me has already tied the knot. Is that so? Because of that, they seem to worry less about those matters. Teacher, if you had to rate your life so far on a scale of 1 to 5, what score would you give yourself? I would say 3.5. It's not a remarkable achievement, but I believe I've made a decent effort, so I would rate myself around 3.5. Thank you. We are trying to share some hope with the people we've interviewed. If you win the 500 million won prize, what would you like to do with it? Since I've received a lot from my parents, I would give half to them and use the rest for wedding expenses.

Thank you, thank you. I really met a variety of people today. Maybe it's because it's the end of the workday, but everyone is so cheerful that I don't feel tired at all. There were newlyweds and people preparing for marriage, which makes me think about what I was thinking back then. When I was preparing for my wedding, I didn't know anything, but I feel like you just have to go through it. Decisions about marriage or childbirth are really about weighing the pros and cons, and if you try to analyze everything, the period of uncertainty just gets longer and it becomes difficult to make a decision. So, I will also try my best. I will work hard on my way home. Thank you for your hard work. Now, go home.

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A Day in Gwanghwamun: Lottery Tickets and Love Stories

The narrator is heading to Gwanghwamun Station to buy a lottery ticket and reflects on their fixed salary and financial struggles compared to their wife's allowance.

They encounter a newly married couple during an interview and discuss the challenges of meeting potential partners and the high cost of wedding preparations.

The couple shares their experience of adjusting to married life and their plans for a bigger house and starting a family.

Hesitations and Aspirations: A Conversation on Career and Entrepreneurship

The speaker hesitates to climb the mountain due to financial concerns and the desire to be better prepared.

They discuss the importance of taking exams to maintain eligibility for job opportunities, emphasizing the need to give it a try despite the fear of failure.

The speaker shares their journey of wanting to start a business, inspired by remarkable individuals, and expresses their parents' eventual support for their entrepreneurial aspirations.

Pursuing Success: Breaking the Myths of Entrepreneurship

Starting a business doesn't solely depend on having money; determination and a positive mindset are key to success.

The interviewee reflects on their own journey, emphasizing the importance of gradual improvement and not having everything figured out from the start.

The conversation also touches on the current dynamics of relationships and marriage, highlighting a mix of commitment and the choice to remain single among friends.

Navigating Career Changes and Life Concerns

The speaker feels free and satisfied with their job abroad, despite the conservative dress code.

They discuss common concerns in their twenties, such as marriage and career goals, while emphasizing the difficulty of living a normal life.

The speaker shares their transition from the film industry to marketing, highlighting the importance of timely salary and job stability.

Work-Life Balance and Personal Reflections at Samsung Publishing

Samsung Publishing, home to Pinkfong, offers a good work-life balance and generous benefits for pregnant women.

The company has a high percentage of female employees, but communication and support among colleagues help alleviate any potential issues.

The speaker has stayed at the company for eight years, finding joy in work that aligns with them, while also managing stress through hobbies and investments.

The conversation explores various topics, including graduate school aspirations, the impact of winning the lottery, and job satisfaction.

The interviewee shares their experience working at a large company, the benefits they receive, and their financial planning for the future.

The discussion also touches on marriage, life satisfaction, and the challenges of making important life decisions.