Low-income households grapple with declining income, inflation
Kim Mee-jin, 35, a part-time cashier and mother of two, said she is afraid to go grocery shopping these days. “Imported beef and even frozen chicken have become more expensive,” she said. “I try to buy whatever is on sale, but even those prices are rising. My children ask why we don’t have their favorite meals as often. I don’t want them to feel the pressure, but I worry every time I go to the mall.” Both she and her husband work, but the cost of living keeps rising, and she is constantly worried about how to spend her money and what expenses are truly necessary. "When prices of everyday items like food go up, I feel the pinch.” Similarly, Jun In-soo, 46, a delivery worker, stated that his paycheck has decreased while the cost of living has risen. “I used to make just enough to cover rent and food, but recently my hours were cut,” he said. “My income dropped, and rice, vegetables, even instant noodles cost more every month. I’m working the same job, but it feels like I’m finding it harder every day, no matter how hard I try.” He is particularly concerned about the
Dec 8, 2025By Lee Kyung-min
