[Economy 365]

The number of stay-at-home husbands has reached an all-time high.

In the first quarter of this year, the number of men not participating in economic activities due to childcare or housework stood at 274,000, an increase of 16.6% compared to a year ago.

This is the highest figure for a first quarter since the relevant statistics were reorganized in 2004.

Among them, 261,000 men were engaged in housework and 13,000 in childcare, both showing an increase.

Conversely, the number of women not participating in economic activities due to childcare and housework was 6,536,000, a 1.9% decrease from a year ago, marking the lowest level under the same criteria.

Statistics Korea explained that this result reflects the increased participation of men in childcare and housework, as well as the expansion of women's economic activities alongside shifting social perceptions.

*This article was produced with AI audio.