Hard graft is ingrained in South Korean society, but when the state proposed a 69-hour week, it was forced to back down as millennials and gen-Zers reject traditional working practices
• Photographs by Tina Hsu
‘Working during my holidays and weekends became a routine,” says Lee Sang-hyuk as he describes the culture of overtime at the large pharmaceutical company he used to work for near Seoul. “I gradually realised that my life and health were deteriorating due to excessive hours. I had no energy, and neglected my personal relationships.”
He developed back pain from long hours sitting at his desk, and said he became anxious and lethargic. “During the few times I was able to meet my friends, I couldn’t even enjoy that, as all I could think about was work. I thought I was the problem,” the 35-year-old told the Guardian.
