SEOUL – South Korea is facing a growing crisis among its self-employed population as rising interest rates and a prolonged economic slump have led to a sharp increase in loan defaults. According to data from NICE Information Service, the number of self-employed individuals (including those with personal business loans) who have defaulted on their loans for more than three months surged by 35% last year compared to the previous year, reaching 155,060 people. The total amount of overdue loans also saw a significant jump, reaching over 30 trillion won ($22.6 billion USD).

This crisis is largely attributed to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many self-employed individuals to take on more debt to stay afloat. The subsequent rise in interest rates, coupled with a prolonged period of economic stagnation, has made it increasingly difficult for them to repay their loans.

"The COVID-19 pandemic forced many self-employed individuals to take on more debt to stay afloat. The subsequent rise in interest rates, coupled with a prolonged period of economic stagnation, has made it increasingly difficult for them to repay their loans."

The situation is particularly dire for older self-employed individuals, who have seen the largest increase in both loan defaults and overdue loan amounts. This suggests that older individuals may be more vulnerable to economic shocks and have fewer resources to fall back on in times of crisis.

In response to this growing problem, the South Korean government is planning to provide financial support to self-employed individuals who are at risk of default or business closure. Starting next month, banks will offer debt restructuring programs, including interest rate reductions and extended repayment periods. Additionally, a new program will be launched to provide low-interest, long-term repayment options for those who have been forced to close their businesses.

"The government's financial support package is a welcome step, but it remains to be seen whether it will be enough to address the root causes of the problem."

While the government's efforts are a positive step, some experts believe that more comprehensive measures are needed to address the underlying issues of high interest rates and economic stagnation. They argue that the government should focus on creating a more favorable business environment for self-employed individuals, as well as providing more direct financial assistance to those who are struggling.

The self-employed debt crisis is a serious issue that could have far-reaching consequences for the South Korean economy. It is crucial that the government and financial institutions work together to find effective solutions to this problem and prevent further hardship for the self-employed population.