Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, emphasized the need for shortening working hours, stating, "We will create solid support measures for companies that implement a 4.5-day work week."

On the 30th, candidate Lee mentioned on his Facebook, "In the long term, we should move towards a 4-day work week," adding, "We will reduce the average working hours in the Republic of Korea to below the OECD average by 2030."

He emphasized, "While public consensus is necessary for this, the active participation of companies is essential above all."

Candidate Lee also announced a pledge to prevent deaths from overwork by introducing a minimum rest period system. He stated, "To prevent deaths from overwork, I will set a maximum daily working hour and implement a minimum rest period system," adding that, "I will establish a law on preventing deaths from overwork and supporting the reduction of working hours, which will obligate the state and others to develop efficient measures to prevent such deaths."

In particular, regarding the comprehensive wage system, he promised, "I will fundamentally review the comprehensive wage system, which has been pointed out as a cause of long working hours and 'free labor,'" stating that, "I will ensure that existing wages and working conditions do not worsen. Additionally, I will mandate employers to measure and record the actual working hours of their employees."

Candidate Lee also indicated that he would consider significantly strengthening the employee vacation support system.

He concluded, "I will create a life where one can enjoy sufficient rest and leisure after working hard, and where the economic foundation to make this possible is established, leading to a life that holds hope for tomorrow."

Image source: News1