Economy
South Korea’s GDP grew by 2.5% in 2023, driven by robust exports and increased domestic consumption.
(Bank of Korea, 2023).
South Korea ranks among the top countries in international assessments like PISA, particularly in math, science, and reading, reflecting its strong educational outcomes
(OECD, 2023).
South Korea provides universal healthcare coverage through the National Health Insurance Service, ensuring access to medical services for all citizens
(OECD, 2023).
South Korea faces challenges with air pollution, particularly in urban areas like Seoul, where fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels often exceed safe limits
(Ministry of Environment, 2023).
The Korean Wave refers to the global popularity of South Korean entertainment, including K-pop music, K-dramas, and films, which has significantly boosted the country's cultural exports
(Korea Foundation, 2023).
Average monthly wages in South Korea increased by 3.2% in 2023, indicating improved living standards and increased consumer spending power (Ministry of Employment and Labor, 2023).
(Ministry of Employment and Labor, 2023).
Students face significant academic pressure, with long school hours and additional private tutoring, often leading to high stress levels and mental health issues
(Korean Educational Development Institute, 2022).
South Korea has one of the highest life expectancies in the world, averaging 83.5 years in 2023
(World Health Organization, 2023).
South Korea aims to increase its renewable energy capacity significantly, with targets to generate 20% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030
(Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, 2023).
South Korea uses its entertainment industry as a tool for cultural diplomacy, promoting Korean culture and values worldwide through music, dramas, and movies
(Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, 2023).
Global merchandise trade volume increased by 10.8% in 2021, following a 5.3% decline in 2020, indicating a strong rebound in international trade .
World Trade Organization (WTO)
Globally, the literacy rate among youth aged 15 to 24 has reached 91%, indicating significant progress in educational attainment
(UNESCO, 2023).
The United States spends more on healthcare per capita than any other country, totaling over $11,000 per person annually
(World Bank, 2023).
Air pollution is a leading environmental health risk, causing millions of premature deaths annually and exacerbating respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, particularly in urban areas
(WHO, 2021).
Streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ have revolutionized the entertainment industry, with Netflix alone reaching over 222 million subscribers worldwide by 2022
(Statista, 2023).
Global debt reached a record $296 trillion in 2021, driven by government borrowing to support economies during the pandemic .
The Institute of International Finance (IIF)
Gender disparities in education persist in some regions, with girls in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia facing barriers such as early marriage and cultural norms that limit access to schooling
(UNESCO, 2023).
Japan has the highest life expectancy in the world, with an average of 84.6 years for females and 80.7 years for males
(World Health Organization, 2023).
Plastic pollution has reached crisis levels, with an estimated 8 million tons of plastic waste entering the oceans every year, posing a significant threat to marine life and ecosystems
(UNEP, 2021).
The global box office revenue reached $42.5 billion in 2021, with major markets like China, the United States, and Japan contributing significantly to ticket sales
(Statista, 2023).
Global employment levels in 2021 remained 75 million jobs below the pre-pandemic levels of 2019, showing a slow recovery in the labor market .
The International Labour Organization (ILO)
Public expenditure on education varies significantly across countries, with some governments investing up to 6% of GDP in education, reflecting differing priorities and resource allocations
(World Bank, 2023).
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in over 400 million confirmed cases and more than 5.8 million deaths worldwide as of early 2023, highlighting global health vulnerabilities
(Johns Hopkins University, 2023).
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Goal 13 on climate action and Goal 14 on life below water, provide a framework for global action to protect the environment and achieve sustainable development
(UN, 2021).
Celebrities wield significant influence over consumer behavior, with endorsements and social media presence driving trends in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle
(Forbes, 2023).