Minister Kim Younghoon: "Flexibility Needed for 52-Hour Workweek... Unlimited Exceptions Not Acceptable"

Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Younghoon stated regarding the discussion on expanding exceptions to the 52-hour workweek system, "Allowing unlimited exceptions is an entirely different matter that should be approached with caution." While he acknowledged the need to apply working hour regulations more flexibly in sectors directly linked to national competitiveness, such as semiconductors, he emphasized that labor, management, and government should seek solutions that still protect workers' health.

On September 8, during his appearance on SBS Radio's "Kim Taehyun's Political Show," Minister Kim addressed the ongoing discussion about special labor exemptions for the Honam Semiconductor Mega Cluster, which would allow exceptions to the 52-hour workweek. He explained, "The labor exemption discussion is about applying exceptions to working hour regulations for professionals. Specifically, it proposes introducing an exemption for white-collar, high-income professionals, so that limits on overtime, holiday, and night work allowances (the exemption system from overtime pay for office workers) would apply only to them."

Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Young-hoon is attending the plenary meeting of the National Assembly's Climate, Energy, Environment and Labor Committee on August 12, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

Minister Kim acknowledged the need, in terms of national competitiveness, for more flexible working hour regulations for positions such as semiconductor researchers. He said, "Countries like China and other competitors are quickly catching up with us, or we must catch up with them. There are criticisms that we cannot progress due to such regulations." He continued, "This issue arose during the enactment of the Semiconductor Special Act as well. For research positions—especially in semiconductor research—there is a system for special extended work hours, which exempts them; this provides for an exception."

Minister Kim added, "What I want to emphasize is that we need to be flexible. For instance, when inspiration strikes, concentrated work is necessary. It's not right to think, 'It's time to clock out, so I'll stop researching and go home now.' That approach may not be appropriate." He further agreed with the need for such flexibility, saying, "When the opportunity arises, we should row while the tide is high."

However, he drew a clear line that the government has not yet determined whether to expand exceptions to all sectors. Minister Kim said, "At this moment, a definitive government stance has not been formed on whether to include all sectors. It is true that industry continues to make such requests." He reiterated, "Allowing unlimited exemptions is, again, a separate issue that must be considered differently."

Minister Kim expressed a cautious stance on the argument that domestic working hours should be greatly increased to match China's long working hours. He noted, "In China, there is the so-called '9-9-6' system: working from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week. Of course, this is also illegal under Chinese law." He added, "It's true that China is quickly closing the gap, but honestly, is there any country that can beat China purely by working a greater number of hours?"

Minister Kim stated, "I believe we need a more innovative approach. If labor, management, and government pool their wisdom, we can find our own unique, flexible methods that protect workers' health, enhance corporate productivity, and ensure stability and sustainability." He clarified that the scope and criteria for labor exemptions are still under discussion. Minister Kim added, "Not long ago, I had a tea meeting with the President and the leaders of the two major labor unions, where we discussed this issue in depth. The President also mentioned wanting labor, management, and government to engage in more joint discussions regarding labor exemptions."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.