Have you ever heard of the phrase, 'Giving up N things generation'?

  The 'Giving up N things generation' is a phrase newly coined in 2015. It relates to young people in their twenties who have to give up various things such as marriage or other dreams because of the difficult social situation. It used to mean that people in their twenties had to give up countless things beyond the original 'Giving up seven things generation' phrase, which related to young people abandoning the ideas of a personal home, childbirth, relationships, and their hopes and dreams .

  This can especially be seen in a recent questionnaire which surveyed people in their 20’s. It said that a 'dream' is the most abandoned thing because of the difficult social situation and constant pressure. These people have to give up some of the most basic things one by one.

  This situation has become a big issue in the media, portrayed in dramas and movies, and has gone beyond the news and newspapers. The recent drama 'This Life is First Time' is a typical example. This drama is getting popular now because it treats jobs, marriage problems, and house arrangements for people in their twenties realistically, showing a lot of sympathy for the 'Giving up N generation'.

  The reality point of this drama is that they don't take things such as employment, apartment contracts, marriage, and childbirth for granted anymore. Indeed, the fact that the program is broadcast through the media shows that the social atmosphere is really not as good as it used to be.

  Let's take a closer look at this ’giving up N things’ generation. They are now full of pain in their bodies and minds. It has been shown that the health of people in their twenties who are suffering from stress due to long job preparation and studying is rapidly deteriorating compared to other age groups.

  In addition to physical illnesses such as enteritis and reflux esophagitis, mental health problems such as depression and alcoholism have also become prominent.

  According to the information released by analyzing the medical statistical information data of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service in September, the rate of growth in digestive system issues, musculoskeletal system issues, and mental illness issues have for people in their twenties has been the highest over the past five years, excluding the elderly.

  Mental health problems are even more serious. The number of people in their twenties with panic disorder reached 13,000 last year. It has grown by 13.3% a year over the past five years, and has risen compared to other age groups with an increase rate of around 40%.

  Regarding depression, patients in their 30’s increased by just 1.6% and decreased in all other age groups. Only for people in their twenties, did it increase by 22.2%. Alcoholism also declined for people in their 30’s and 50’s, but for people in their mid to late 20’s the growth was 20.9%

  When we search the word 'depression' in a job portal internet cafe, about 1,500 related posts are found. There are many questions like 'Should I go to a hospital for depression?'. We can easily find articles job-seekers in their 20’s who are worried about their mental health. Now, 'Giving up N things generation' is moving to a terrible situation where they have to give up their health.

  The economic situation for people in their twenties is also a mess. College can be called the beginning of harder times in 20s. College tuition fees are too high for students, so it causes delays in preparing for employment. Students try to cover their college tuition fee with loans, but this leads to bigger debt. Finally, they are getting more involved in applying for personal bankruptcy.

  In fact, an analysis of the bankruptcy filings data for the last 4 years shows that the number of total bankruptcy filings for all ages have decreased, but the number of filings between the ages of 20 to 29 have steadily increased. Before they even start their social life, they are standing on the brink of a precipice.

  Indeed, there are some things that they will naturally have to give up, but there are now so many situations that make them want to give up before they even start. Perhaps the meaning of 'Giving up N generation' is the reality of making them want to give up more than they have.

  'We are young, so we can be sick': this sentence is a lie. That is just sick. The reality is too harsh for them to undergo without a change in society. Now is the time for people in their 20’s; not to be patient but to find a solution.

L.L.F reporter Eun-Young Kim