Young Kids Want to Be Athletes or Stars

Elementary school kids want to be athletes or TV stars rather than doctors or lawyers, the professions many Korean parents would prefer.

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According to a survey by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, 40.5 percent out of 458 elementary schoolchildren said they wanted to become athletes, artists, entertainers or other TV professionals.

Their second favorite occupation was teacher at 12.2 percent, followed by chef at 10.4 percent, reflecting the growing popularity of cooking shows on TV.

The third favorite occupation was doctor or health worker. Only 6.3 percent are already eyeing a legal career.

Other occupations the children found attractive were scientist, beautician, leisure industry worker, and engineer or technician, according to the institute.

A survey by the Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training brought similar results but in slightly different order, which teacher topping the list, followed by athlete and chef. Others were doctor, police officer and lawyer.

It remains a matter for debate whether children want to be teachers because they are precociously anxious about job security in tough economic times or whether they simply name a job they are aware of.