Kangaroo Tribe

Kangaroo Tribe is a term that refers to the younger generation who are financially and emotionally dependent on their parents even though they are fully grown. It comes from the metaphor of a baby kangaroo living in its mother's pouch.

 

●  Maintaining a high ratio: According to the 2024 survey results, approximately 66% of young people aged 25 to 34 are kangaroo tribe members who live with their parents. In particular, the proportion of kangaroo tribe members in their early to mid-30s tends to increase.

 

○  Employment difficulties: Unstable employment environment and fierce job competition are the main reasons why young people delay economic independence. -> No quality jobs (annual salary of 30 million won or more) -> Young people moving to the metropolitan area

 

○  High housing costs: Soaring housing prices and rent burdens are major factors that make young people hesitate to become independent.

 

○  Burden of living expenses: Due to rising prices, it is difficult to live independently, so many people end up relying on their parents.

 

○  Non-marital : Due to changes in values ​​regarding marriage and economic burden, some people choose to live with their parents rather than become independent.

 

○  Overprotection by parents: Parents who delay their children’s independence or continue to provide financial support also have some influence.

 

● Changes in social perception: In the past, there were negative views of the kangaroo tribe, but recently, the perception that it is an inevitable choice due to social structural problems such as economic difficulties is gradually spreading.

 

● Delayed social entry and weakened economic independence of the younger generation: If the kangaroo lifestyle continues for a long time, they may move between unstable jobs such as irregular jobs or have difficulty in social integration. This is likely to lead to youth poverty.

 

● Increased financial burden on the parent generation and difficulty preparing for retirement: Parents who must continue to support their children may have difficulty preparing for retirement and may even face the burden of double support.

 

● Declining social vitality and entrenching low growth: The delay in independence among the younger generation can lead to a decline in consumption, which in turn reduces economic vitality and can aggravate low growth in the national economy in the long term.

 

Due to difficult economic conditions and high housing costs, the kangaroo phenomenon is unlikely to be easily resolved. Multifaceted efforts from the government and society are needed to achieve economic independence for the younger generation, and at the same time, improving social awareness of the kangaroo tribe is also important.