10 Years After College Graduation... The Biggest Reason They Are Challenging Themselves to Become Public Officials

○ [News Story] From Business Owner to Grade 9 Civil Service Exam Candidate... Thirties Heading to Noryangjin (Broadcasted on October 24, 2026)

People in their thirties diving back into civil service exams
Seoul's Noryangjin neighborhood, once crowded with countless civil service exam aspirants, became quiet as the popularity of government jobs waned, but it is said that civil service exam takers are increasing again lately. In particular, the number of aspirants who have passed their thirties has reportedly increased. Ji-eun (a pseudonym), who is 33 years old this year, pondered various career paths after graduating from college and began preparing for the police civil service exam in 2023. Although she has already tasted bitter defeat in three exams, she passed the written exam last August and is ahead of the final hurdle, the interview. The reason Ji-eun chose to become a civil service official is because she wants a stable job. Jun-ho (a pseudonym) in his late thirties was until recently the head of a small or medium-sized enterprise, but he quit his company after experiencing burnout. Afterward, he submitted resumes to more than ten places, but finding employment was not easy, and he ultimately decided to challenge himself with the Grade 9 civil service exam. Those who once walked different paths are challenging themselves to take civil service exams once again.

Reported by Seo Kyeong-chae | Produced by Lee Seyoung | Camera by Choi Jun-shik | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.