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“Generation Z Disillusioned with Society… Healing Social Division Must Be the Top Priority” [ESF2026]

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Day 2 of the 17th Edaily Strategy Forum

Noreena Hertz, Professor Emerita of Institute for Global Prosperity at University College London (UCL)

“Difficulty of Housing Affordability, Deep Distrust Toward Large Corporations and Democracy”

[Edaily By Reporter Yu-rim Lee] Noreena Hertz, a world-renowned economist and professor emerita at University College London (UCL), drew attention to the isolation and despair felt by young people, urging that “Korea should also prioritize the task of healing internal divisions as its top priority.”

Serving as a keynote speaker on June 17 at the 17th Edaily Strategy Forum, convened at the Shilla Hotel in Jung-gu under the theme “The Age of Power, Recasting Civilization : Who Designs the New World?”, Professor Hertz stated, “It is not surprising that many young people feel isolated from society and deeply disillusioned.”

She noted, “In London, a university graduate would need to work for around 20 years to afford a mortgage.” She added, “I believe Korea is facing similar reality.”

She pointed out that this frustration is not limited to economic prospects. She asked, “What percentage of American Generation Z, aged 16 to 26, do you think believe that large corporations will do the right thing?” She then revealed the answer: “Only 6%.”

She also noted that while three-quarters of Americans aged 55 and older believe democracy is the best form of government, only one-quarter of Generation Z strongly agree with that view.

She then went on to state “In Korea, 55% of Gen Z reportedly supports a strong leader or authoritarian-style leadership,” illustrating that these generational fractures are by no means an isolated issue unique to any single nation.

Professor Hertz emphasized, “As generations become more divided and trust in institutions declines, the impact does not remain in the background,” adding that they “affect policy and regulatory choices, labor-management relations, investment decisions, the way people vote, and even the environment where businesses operate.”

She advised Korea specifically: “At this moment where Korea is considering its future direction and how to optimize internal relations, healing internal divisions must also be ekevated to the absolute top priority.”