Mr. Kim: Middle Managers at Major Corporations with Homes in Seoul

Recently, the drama 'The Dream Life of Mr. Kim' has resonated with office workers. The story centers on Naksoo Kim, a 25-year veteran at a major corporation headquartered in the Gangnam District of Seoul, and depicts the warm, everyday life of a middle-class family in the city.
The drama unfolds Naksoo Kim’s journey through his 'second act of life' after he, once certain of a promotion to executive, is demoted and ultimately takes voluntary retirement. It explores themes such as real estate investment scams, driving for hire, and car wash businesses. The story of Mr. Kim in the drama closely mirrors the concerns faced by many middle-aged people in Korean society.
Mr. Kim’s story has recently become a hot topic in the food and retail sectors. Professionals in these industries, born in the mid-1970s to 1980s, often mention the drama, expressing that it feels all too personal. With children still in college and outstanding home loans, the prospect of sudden unemployment strikes a chord, highlighting a shared sense of anxiety.
This sentiment is closely linked to the recent wave of voluntary retirements and generational shifts sweeping through the food and retail industries. Companies are restructuring in response to a weakened consumer sentiment and the need to adapt to advanced sectors like e-commerce and AI.
Lotte Chilsung Beverage offered voluntary retirement to employees with over ten years of service, while LOTTE WELLFOOD did the same in April for those aged 45 and older with at least ten years at the company. KOREA SEVEN, which operates 7-Eleven, has implemented voluntary retirement for two consecutive years. LG Household & Health Care targeted sales staff at department stores and duty-free shops for its program. The recent trend of third-generation owners taking the helm at food and retail companies is accelerating the generational shift.
Voluntary retirement is a process where employees submit resignations at the company's request, often due to management difficulties or restructuring. In reality, many departures are involuntary, and there have been concerns about pressure or retaliatory actions from management. A balance must be struck between protecting workers and ensuring corporate stability. Respect for employee decisions and stronger social safety nets are urgently needed. It is time to reassess whether government and corporate support systems are functioning properly to help employees constructively plan their post-retirement lives.
ssuccu@fnnews.com Reporter