This is trending because the 'Comprehensive Wage System' has been a long-standing point of contention and a major source of frustration for many Korean workers, who felt exploited by unpaid overtime. The government's decision to restrict it is seen as a significant victory for labor rights.
South Korea is known for its intense work culture and long working hours. The 'Comprehensive Wage System' (포괄임금제) was a common practice that allowed companies to avoid paying extra for overtime, contributing to the 'free labor' phenomenon and making this reform particularly impactful for the average worker.
Big news for South Korean workers! The controversial "Comprehensive Wage System" (포괄임금제), often criticized for enabling "free labor" (공짜노동), is finally being restricted starting April 9th. This means companies can no longer simply lump overtime, holiday, and night-shift pay into a fixed monthly salary, regardless of actual hours worked. The Ministry of Labor is cracking down, mandating that basic pay and various allowances must be clearly separated, and employers are now required to accurately record and manage employee working hours.
For years, this system has been a major point of contention, with many feeling exploited by companies who could demand extensive overtime without additional compensation. While worker advocates are celebrating, the Korea Employers Federation (경총) has expressed regret, citing concerns about potential confusion and disputes in workplaces. This move is a significant step towards ensuring fair compensation for the notoriously long working hours prevalent in South Korea.
Korean Netizen Reactions
7That stupid law is finally gone, ah lol. Now we'll hear the 'it's so hard to do business in this country' line again, lmaooo.
Wow, I wondered when they'd get rid of this.
This will be advantageous/disadvantageous depending on the company. For me, I have 40 hours of fixed overtime included (in my comprehensive wage), so if it disappears, I'll actually lose a lot. My act…
That stupid thing should've been gone ages ago, yesss!
Highest birth rate since records began, highest current account surplus since records began, comprehensive wage system dead. Just 'Great Jae-myung' (sarcastic praise for a political figure).
If the country just strictly follows common sense, companies will adapt somehow. Let's really just stick to common sense.
Jae-myung-hyung (Lee Jae-myung), going back and forth between '찢' (a derogatory nickname) and 'great' whoa.