There's a rising trend among Korean youth going on unplanned leaves from work for unexplained reasons. This sudden surge, which appears to predominantly affect young adults, poses a potential threat to the country's economic stability. The issue has spiked in recent weeks, but the root causes remain difficult to pinpoint. Some claim it's a silent protest against the demanding work culture, while others suggest mental health struggles due to the pandemic. This wave of unexplained absences has sparked an intense debate in Korea and beyond.

Within Japan, unplanned absenteeism is generally frowned upon due to the value placed on discipline and responsibility in the workforce. The "Salaryman" or corporate worker image is rooted deeply in Japanese work culture. Issues such as these raise concerns in Japan about work-life balance, mental health, and the economic effects of such trends. Japanese society tends to observe work issues in nearby countries like Korea, as they often herald potential trends that might affect Japan as well.

In the US and EU, there is generally more acceptability for sick leave and personal time off. Particularly during the pandemic, mental health awareness and work-life balance have become more prominent issues. Such a trend would likely spark discussions about workers' rights and better understanding mental health struggles.