This year, the number of individuals receiving parental leave benefits surpassed 100,000 for the first time in the first half of the year. The proportion of male parental leave users also reached a record high of 38.8%, approaching 40%. The increase in the use of work-life balance support systems is attributed to the spread of co-parenting culture and improvements in government policies.
The Ministry of Employment and Labor reported on July 12 that a total of 199,911 individuals utilized four major work-life balance support systems, including parental leave, reduced working hours for childcare, maternity and paternity leave, and spousal leave, in the first half of this year.
This marks a 16.3% increase compared to the same period last year, when 171,966 individuals participated. With this year's numbers already surpassing half of last year's total annual users (342,388), the ministry anticipates that the annual figure could reach an all-time high if the current trend continues.
Notably, the most widely used system, parental leave, continued to grow. In the first half of this year, 103,983 individuals received parental leave benefits, a 9.5% increase from the same period last year, marking the first time the number exceeded 100,000 for the first half of the year.
Male participation in parental leave is steadily increasing. In the first half of this year, 40,320 men received parental leave benefits, accounting for 38.8% of the total. The male proportion first surpassed 30% in 2024, recorded 36.5% last year, and has now risen to 38.8% in the first half of this year.
The use of spousal leave has also seen significant growth. In the first half of this year, 15,820 individuals received spousal leave benefits, an increase of about 53% compared to the same period last year (10,328). Spousal leave can be taken for up to 20 days within 120 days of the spouse's childbirth, with the government providing wage support for employees of priority support companies during the leave period.
The ministry cited improvements in the system and reduced economic burdens as key factors behind the increase in parental leave. Following the introduction of the '6+6 Shared Parental Leave System' last year, the parental leave benefits were increased this year, and support for substitute workers and work-sharing funds was expanded, alleviating the burden on companies regarding workforce gaps.
The government plans to further expand work-life balance systems in the second half of the year. Starting August 20, a new 'short-term parental leave' will be introduced for short-term caregiving needs, such as during children's vacations or illnesses. In September, new spousal leave for miscarriage and stillbirth will be established, and the timing for using spousal leave will be expanded to before childbirth, implementing what is referred to as the 'three-piece set of spousal support.' In November, the paid leave period for infertility treatment will be extended from the current two days to four days, with expanded government wage support.
Kim Young-hoon, Minister of Employment and Labor, stated, "This result shows that the culture of work-life balance is gradually taking root in our society, and the co-parenting culture is also spreading. We will continue to improve the system so that all working parents, including those in small and medium-sized enterprises, special types of workers, and freelancers, can balance work and childcare."
The Ministry of Employment and Labor reported on July 12 that a total of 199,911 individuals utilized four major work-life balance support systems, including parental leave, reduced working hours for childcare, maternity and paternity leave, and spousal leave, in the first half of this year.
This marks a 16.3% increase compared to the same period last year, when 171,966 individuals participated. With this year's numbers already surpassing half of last year's total annual users (342,388), the ministry anticipates that the annual figure could reach an all-time high if the current trend continues.
Notably, the most widely used system, parental leave, continued to grow. In the first half of this year, 103,983 individuals received parental leave benefits, a 9.5% increase from the same period last year, marking the first time the number exceeded 100,000 for the first half of the year.
Male participation in parental leave is steadily increasing. In the first half of this year, 40,320 men received parental leave benefits, accounting for 38.8% of the total. The male proportion first surpassed 30% in 2024, recorded 36.5% last year, and has now risen to 38.8% in the first half of this year.
The use of spousal leave has also seen significant growth. In the first half of this year, 15,820 individuals received spousal leave benefits, an increase of about 53% compared to the same period last year (10,328). Spousal leave can be taken for up to 20 days within 120 days of the spouse's childbirth, with the government providing wage support for employees of priority support companies during the leave period.
The ministry cited improvements in the system and reduced economic burdens as key factors behind the increase in parental leave. Following the introduction of the '6+6 Shared Parental Leave System' last year, the parental leave benefits were increased this year, and support for substitute workers and work-sharing funds was expanded, alleviating the burden on companies regarding workforce gaps.
The government plans to further expand work-life balance systems in the second half of the year. Starting August 20, a new 'short-term parental leave' will be introduced for short-term caregiving needs, such as during children's vacations or illnesses. In September, new spousal leave for miscarriage and stillbirth will be established, and the timing for using spousal leave will be expanded to before childbirth, implementing what is referred to as the 'three-piece set of spousal support.' In November, the paid leave period for infertility treatment will be extended from the current two days to four days, with expanded government wage support.
Kim Young-hoon, Minister of Employment and Labor, stated, "This result shows that the culture of work-life balance is gradually taking root in our society, and the co-parenting culture is also spreading. We will continue to improve the system so that all working parents, including those in small and medium-sized enterprises, special types of workers, and freelancers, can balance work and childcare."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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