The COVID-19 has fundamentally transformed the economy, politics, and society in South Korea like many other countries around the world. Especially, it has reinforced economic polarization, as the un-tact economy has damaged the small self-employers in the service sector comprising one-fourth of the economically active population and the precarious workers. It has also transformed the politics, strengthening the ruling party and weakening the opposition party. However, social distancing has rendered schools' closure, prohibited mass gathering, and disturbed work-life-balance.

This article is an analytical paper on the socio-economic implications of this unprecedented crisis in South Korea.