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, emergedaround 2020 at the height of the pandemic. It involves setting life goals and managing time