A South Korean union member passes by a large poster depicting both blue-collar and white collar workers protesting against layoffs in Seoul September 21. Domestic consumption during the first half of the year plunged 28 percent from the previous year as more and more businesses are facing bankruptcy leading to an ever-increasing loss of jobs through closures and layoffs. Analysts are warning that the nation's economy may slip into a devastating recession unless a quick and strong tonic is applied.

PB/KK/WS