A recent report from the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs revealed that more South Korean elementary students dream of careers in the arts than being professionals.
According to a 2015 welfare report by the agency, more elementary school students in fourth, fifth, and sixth grades than ever before want to pursue careers in the arts. Over 78.55% of students polled listed a career in the arts as their first or second choice, with actor, singer, athlete, director, artist, designer, author, reporter, and event organizer among the more popular selections.
The survey surprised many in South Korea, where professions in law, medicine, and business are favored by many and have topped similar student surveys in the past.
However, South Korea's global recognition as a content creator, proven by the popularity of K-pop, Korean dramas, film, and more, likely played a roll in the findings along with the continual growth of Korean entertainment firms and interest from international investors.
Education was the next most popular field, followed by the service and food industry, which the Korea Times said was attributed to the popularity of cooking shows in South Korea nowadays.
Health, welfare, and religious professions were the next most favored in the survey, such as doctors, nurses, social workers, and becoming a member of the clergy.
Jobs related to government and legal professions were the least popular overall.
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Tamar Herman is a multi-media journalist and the co-founder of KultScene. She is a freelance writer and copy editor, and has written for MTV Iggy, Noisey, and Paste Magazine.
