Child under 6 among minors reporting annual salaries over 100 million won, NHIS data shows
Nearly 2,000 people 18 years old or younger were registered as income-earning business representatives between 2021 and 2025.
An employee hold up 50,000 won ($36) bills at Hana Bank's Counterfeit Notes Response Center in Jung District, central Seoul, on Feb. 24.
NEWS1
Over 20 minors were found to have earned annual salaries of over 100 million won ($72,000) as registered business representatives, with one child younger than 6.
There were 1,909 people aged 18 or younger registered as business representatives between 2021 and 2025, according to National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) data obtained by Democratic Party Rep. Moon Jin-seog on Monday. The figures cover only those enrolled with the NHIS as workplace-based subscribers.
The annual average stood at 382 business representatives who were minors.
By age, those aged 11 to 15 made up the largest group, with an annual average of 151. The figure stood at 129 for those aged 16 to 18, 81 for those aged 6 to 10 and 22 for those aged 5 or younger.
Of the annual average of 382 business representatives who were minors, 21 earned more than 100 million won a year.
Those aged 11 to 15 accounted for the largest number at 12, followed by six aged 16 to 18 and two aged 6 to 10. The group also included one child aged 5 or younger.
Another 43 earned between 50 million won and 100 million won a year, while 318 earned 50 million won or less.
Seoul had the largest number of business representatives who were minors, with 237. Gyeonggi followed with 69, Incheon with 23 and Busan with 19.
Many were registered as representatives of real estate rental businesses involving commercial properties, officetels (buildings used for commercial and residential purposes) and inherited homes.
Among the 100 highest earners, 95 — or an annual average of 19 — were in real estate, rental and business services. Four were in wholesale and retail trade and consumer goods repair, while one was in manufacturing.
“A child who isn't even out of diapers being a business representative earning 100 million won a year shows the current state of inequality in our society,” Rep. Moon said. “The National Tax Service and the National Health Insurance Service need to examine whether family corporations are being used for improper gifting or income splitting.”
BY KIM EUN-BIN [[email protected]]
This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
