More and more young South Korean investors are exiting the domestic stock market and turning to U.S. stocks and digital assets like Bitcoin. The participation rate of investors in their 20s and 30s has dropped to record lows, while investments in overseas markets and crypto have surged. Some young Koreans say they’ve never invested in the Kospi due to low profitability and limited potential.

Meanwhile, investors aged 50 and above now hold nearly 71% of local stocks. Experts warn this trend could weaken market liquidity and accelerate the aging of the stock market. Overseas stock transactions by South Koreans have nearly tripled in the past two years, and the term “eoljookmi” – meaning an unwavering belief in U.S. stocks – is becoming common among the youth.