The government has indicated it may pursue exceptions to the 52-hour workweek as part of the Mega Special Zone Law for three major mega-projects aimed at local-led growth. This announcement has sparked opposition even within the ruling coalition as of August 10. The Democratic Party has stated it will monitor the government's developments closely, while the Justice Innovation Party and the Progressive Party have made it clear they oppose such measures.
Han Jeong-ae, the Democratic Party's policy chief, held a press conference on August 9, addressing the differing opinions between the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of Employment and Labor regarding the '52-hour workweek exception.' She remarked, "It is a natural phenomenon for there to be differences. If nothing is submitted to the National Assembly, that would be more unusual." She added, "There will likely be aspects that we can discuss in the National Assembly, and it would be beneficial to engage in thorough discussions with stakeholders at that time."
Previously, Kim Jeong-kwan, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, who has a background in business, argued for the necessity of exceptions to the 52-hour workweek to provide work opportunities for employees. In contrast, Kim Young-hoon, the Minister of Employment and Labor, who previously led the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, expressed the need for a cautious approach.
Opposition has also emerged from within the ruling coalition in the 22nd National Assembly. Shin Jang-sik, leader of the Justice Innovation Party, stated during a Supreme Council meeting that the '52-hour workweek' should not be a subject for negotiation. He emphasized the need to find alternative ways to promote the semiconductor industry, pointing out that similar arguments were made by An Deok-geun, the then-Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, just before the impeachment of former President Yoon Seok-youl in March 2025.
Shin further asserted, "The 52-hour work limit is a system born from the blood and tears of countless workers, including the late Jeon Tae-il and female factory workers. It is a precious social agreement achieved through public consensus on 'living like a human.' We should not entertain thoughts of undermining it. The government should present plans on how to implement and establish the 4.5-day workweek, which was a campaign promise of President Lee Jae-myung."
Yoon Jong-o, the floor leader of the Progressive Party, also raised concerns during the Supreme Council meeting, questioning how jobs created in the region could be considered balanced development if they require longer hours, increased use of non-regular workers, and easier outsourcing.
He added, "The competitiveness of advanced industries does not stem from long working hours. It arises from technological innovation, investment in research and development, skilled talent, stable energy and industrial infrastructure, and good jobs where workers want to stay long-term. The Mega Special Zone should not take labor back to the past while industries move toward the future. The Lee Jae-myung administration must clarify this point."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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