The South Korean “godsaeng” lifestyle, which emphasizes constant productivity and self-improvement, has gained popularity among the country’s Generation Z in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this trend comes with inherent risks, such as potential health hazards and adverse effects on mental well-being, as individuals struggle to maintain a demanding schedule and face pressure to achieve perfection in all aspects of life.

The shift toward the godsaeng lifestyle, a portmanteau of the English word “god” and the Korean word “saeng,” meaning life, emerged around 2020 at the height of the pandemic. It involves setting life goals and managing time efficiently to achieve them, fostering a daily sense of fulfillment.