https://www.mk.co.kr/news/world/11588749

The 'Nordic Model' has long been cited as a gold standard for Western developed nations and Asian countries like Korea to follow. Sweden, in particular, is famous in Korea for its high female employment rate and the 'Latte Papa' culture (dads who are active in childcare, pushing strollers with a latte in hand). However, a strange vibe is being detected recently in this gender-equality utopia where work-life balance is supposedly perfected. Centering around young women, there's a growing lifestyle trend of voluntarily quitting jobs to become economically dependent on partners like husbands or boyfriends. From the perspective of Korea, where 'God-saeng' (hustle culture) and 'success' are the buzzwords, what does this seemingly regressive phenomenon mean? 'No more stress, please'... the 'Soft Girl' trend spreading on TikTok.

As is well known, Sweden is a country with a high tax burden on workers. In exchange, the state provides a solid social safety net with plenty of education and employment opportunities. Systems supporting work-life balance are particularly robust, serving as a driving force for both men and women to participate in the labor market, backed by a firm culture that values social contribution through work. However, the 'cradle-to-grave' model funded by high taxes can only be sustained if the vast majority of the population actively participates in economic activity. Therefore, in Sweden, 'balancing work and childcare' is both a right and an obligation. Yet, a small crack is appearing in this firm social consensus: the so-called 'Soft Girl' phenomenon. The term first appeared in Sweden around 2020, initially referring to an aesthetic on TikTok characterized by pastel tones, pinks, and heavy blush—a 'girly' vibe. Since last year, however, it has evolved into a lifestyle trend associated with 'anti-work' and 'stay-at-home girlfriends.'