South Korea Seeks Input on Revised Wage Claim Guarantee Law

Ministry Seeks Public Opinion on Updated Draft for Worker Protections

The South Korean Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) has re-announced a partial amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Wage Claim Guarantee Act, seeking public feedback on updated provisions. This re-announcement is part of Korea’s standard legislative process, allowing individuals and organizations to voice their opinions before new regulations are finalized.

The Wage Claim Guarantee Act is a crucial piece of legislation designed to protect workers by ensuring they receive unpaid wages, severance pay, and other benefits when their employers face bankruptcy or financial difficulties. The Enforcement Decree, a presidential decree, provides specific details and procedures for implementing the main law.

The current re-notification comes after changes were made to an earlier draft of the amendment. Key revisions include the deletion of a clause related to the installment payment of repayment funds. Additionally, provisions regarding the application of certain articles from the Enforcement Decree of the Employment Insurance and Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Premium Collection Act have been clarified and modified. The amendment also adds the status of repayment fund collection to the reporting obligations of relevant public corporations.

Interested parties, including institutions, organizations, and individuals, are invited to submit their opinions on the revised draft. The deadline for feedback is April 17, 2026. Submissions can be made online through the Integrated Legislation Notification Center at http://opinion.lawmaking.go.kr.

Alternatively, written opinions can be submitted directly to the Minister of Employment and Labor. Submissions should include whether you approve or disapprove of the proposed changes (with reasons for disapproval), your name (or organization name and representative if applicable), address, and telephone number. Additional reference materials may also be included.

For further details, individuals can refer to the Ministry of Employment and Labor’s official website (http://www.moel.go.kr) under the “Information Disclosure → Legal Information → Legislative/Administrative Notice” section, or contact the Retirement Pension and Welfare Division at +82-44-202-7556.

Source: 법제처 — Original Article (Korean)