Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 41 minutes ago
On paper, Japan looks like a failed state with a debt-to-GDP ratio of 250%. South Korea looks like a model student with a healthy ratio of ~50%. But for the average citizen, the reality is flipped. Japanese households are sitting on a mountain of cash savings, while Korean households are drowning in the world's highest private debt burden.
Footage: Shutterstock
Inquiries: behindasian@gmail.com
Brought to you by the Behind Asian Team.
On paper, Japan looks like a failed state with a debt-to-GDP ratio of 250%. South Korea looks like a model student with a healthy ratio of ~50%. But for the average citizen, the reality is flipped. Japanese households are sitting on a mountain of cash savings, while Korean households are drowning in the world's highest private debt burden.
Footage: Shutterstock
Inquiries: behindasian@gmail.com
Brought to you by the Behind Asian Team.
