Ministry of Employment and Labor addresses labor law concerns in Seongsu-dong

The Ministry of Employment and Labor conducted on-site interviews in Seongsu-dong to address employment instability and labor law knowledge among young people. The Ministry clarified that wages cannot be delayed due to management difficulties and that businesses with at least 5 permanent workers must pay a suspension allowance of at least 70% of average wages if operations are suspended.

Seongsu-dong, Seoul, is a hub for pop-up stores and trends. Recently, this area has transformed into a site where the practical concerns of young people and labor law knowledge intersect, rather than just being a place for flashy exhibitions. Video content produced by the Ministry of Employment and Labor revealed the employment instability and thirst for practical skills faced by job seekers and workers visiting Seongsu-dong.

"Wages must be paid on time even during deficits"... Labor law knowledge verified on the ground

Young people met in Seongsu-dong showed high interest in the legal rights they might encounter during their professional lives and job-seeking processes. Quizzes presented during the interviews covered dispute cases that frequently occur in real-world settings.

Regarding the question of whether wage payments can be delayed due to deteriorating management, the Ministry of Employment and Labor specified that "wages cannot be arbitrarily delayed solely due to a company's management difficulties." It emphasized that, in principle, wages must be paid at least once a month on a set date. Additionally, it was noted as a key checkpoint that if a business with at least 5 permanent workers suspends operations due to reasons attributable to the employer, a business suspension allowance of at least 70% of the average wage must be paid.

Misunderstandings regarding resignation procedures were also addressed. Regarding the legality of notifying a resignation via a single text message and not showing up for work the next day, it was explained that if the company does not immediately accept the resignation, contractual obligations may still remain. Furthermore, it was noted that accidents occurring on the commute to work on the first day of employment are recognized as standard commuting accidents and are eligible for industrial accident insurance coverage.

'K-Digital' to build practical skills... Concerns of job seekers

The main topic for young people preparing for employment was "practical experience." Jeong Su-yong, a twenty-year-old preparing to be a hair designer, expressed concerns about physical exhaustion during the certification process and uncertainty about the future. Gi Un-chan, who dreams of becoming a composer, also shared concerns regarding professional achievement.

Tailored solutions presented to them were K-Digital Basic Skills Training and K-Digital Training (K-New Deal Academy). In particular, K-Digital Training is a course where participants can learn practical skills in various fields such as AI, semiconductors, finance, and entertainment through programs directly designed by large corporations. This project, which began this year, is expected to further expand participation opportunities next year.

For those worried about falling behind due to the rapid development of AI technology, K-Digital Basic Skills Training was suggested as an alternative, allowing them to learn everything from AI utilization to data analysis and basic coding online. This is characterized by being designed so that skills can be built step-by-step during after-work hours or job-seeking periods.

Between work-life balance and career... The reality of workers and those balancing childcare

The voices of current workers showed deep concerns regarding work-life balance and sustainable careers. Workers in their 20s and 30s employed at a fashion company in Seongsu-dong showed realistic attitudes toward work intensity and job changes.

The concerns of the parental generation balancing childcare and work were particularly specific. One interviewee, who is raising two children while continuing to work, expressed the physical limits felt while performing both childcare and work simultaneously. Additionally, the difficulty of long-term career planning, such as whether one can continue working as a technical professional as they age, was mentioned.

In relation to this, the Ministry of Employment and Labor once again reminded that a written document (or electronic document) specifying major conditions such as wages and working hours must be provided when concluding a labor contract. It clarified that actions such as receiving a contract a week later are legal violations that are not permitted.

Through these on-site interviews in Seongsu-dong, the Ministry of Employment and Labor intends to confirm the need for strengthening practical skills and the information gap regarding labor laws faced by young people, and to continue providing customized policy support.

Source: original video (YouTube)