Minimum Wage Negotiations Narrowed to 690 Won... Final Decision on the 14th (Comprehensive Report 2)

by Park Hosu

Published 09 Jul.2026 19:37(KST)

11,220 Won vs. 10,530 Won
Micro Business Representatives Walk Out in Protest

The gap between labor and management over next year's minimum wage has narrowed to 690 won, but a final agreement has been postponed to next week.

Kwon Soonwon, Chair of the Minimum Wage Commission, is leaving after the 13th plenary meeting held at the Minimum Wage Commission in the Government Sejong Complex on the 9th. Behind him is Ryu Kisub, Secretary General of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions and a worker representative. Photo by Yonhap News.

The Minimum Wage Commission held its 13th plenary meeting at the Government Sejong Complex on July 9, reviewing next year's minimum wage. However, the commission failed to reach an agreement. The 14th plenary meeting is scheduled for July 14, where discussions will continue.

On this day, labor representatives proposed a ninth revised offer of 11,220 won per hour, while business representatives suggested 10,530 won per hour. Compared to this year's minimum wage of 10,320 won, the labor side's proposal represents an increase of 900 won (8.7%), and the business side's proposal reflects a rise of 210 won (2.0%).

The gap between labor and management, which was 1,680 won in the initial proposals, has now narrowed to 690 won in the ninth revised offer. However, both sides ultimately failed to find common ground.

During the meeting, two employer members from the Korea Federation of Micro Enterprises walked out in protest against the public interest members' request for further revisions. They stated that even the currently proposed 2.0% increase is difficult to bear, and they cannot accept any additional increases.

The Minimum Wage Commission will continue its review at the meeting on July 14. If labor and management fail to narrow their differences, the public interest members are likely to present a mediation range for review, which could serve as the basis for a final agreement or a vote.

The statutory review deadline for the minimum wage already passed on June 29. Considering follow-up procedures such as objection submissions, the commission must submit the minimum wage proposal to the Minister of Employment and Labor by mid-July.