Korea's semiconductor boom is generating enormous bonuses for employees at major chipmakers, with some even considering early retirement. But for young job seekers struggling to land their first job and small business owners facing falling sales, the country's economic recovery feels increasingly out of reach. "Even with strong qualifications, it's difficult to get past the initial resume screening," said a job seeker in their 20s. "They say the economy is booming, but it feels hopeless." The contrast highlights a widening divide in Korea's economy, where soaring semiconductor earnings fueled by the artificial intelligence boom have lifted corporate profits without delivering comparable benefits to workers and businesses outside the industry. While employees at Samsung Electronics and SK hynix anticipate substantial performance bonuses, young people face a prolonged employment slump. Luxury retailers and department stores are enjoying robust sales even as neighborhood restaurants and small businesses struggle to survive. The growing disparity raises questions about whether Korea's headli