Before and After Marriage: Extension of Working Hours

1. Before marriage
2. After marriage
Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon proposes 'social dialogue' to ease labor regulations in the Mega Special Zone Act
Posted 2026.09.15 15:55
Reporter Seon Myeong-su
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The government's official proposal for social dialogue comes as the easing of labor regulations has become the most contentious issue regarding the Mega Special Zone Special Act. The ruling party and the government have been discussing measures to significantly relax various labor regulations, including the "white-collar exemption" to remove the 52-hour weekly working hour cap for high-income and R&D workers, expanding the settlement period for selective working hour systems, and extending the period for using fixed-term contracts.
The Democratic Party of Korea plans to introduce the Mega Special Zone Special Act through member-led legislation later this month. This means that social dialogue is effectively being conducted in a "propose bill first, discuss later" manner. With President Lee emphasizing a "speed war" for mega-projects daily and the ruling party presenting a timetable to complete legislation within the year, some critics point out that the government may be engaging in formal social discussions with a predetermined conclusion.