Daegu’s labor market is facing a significant structural crisis, with employment rates and wages lagging behind national averages. With an employment rate of just 58.4%, Daegu ranks the lowest among South Korea’s 17 regions, highlighting a troubling trend that could have long-term implications for the local economy. The potential unemployment rate, which includes discouraged job seekers, stands at 7.7%, the second highest in the country. Alarmingly, the youth demographic is particularly affected, with a staggering 18.