Korea's appeal as Asia-Pacific business hub weakening due to labor policies, regulations: Survey

Korea’s appeal as a base for Asia-Pacific operations is weakening, with global companies increasingly pointing to labor policies and regulatory constraints as key risks, according to a survey by the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (Amcham).

2026-04-15

407 subcontractor unions demand negotiations on first day of ‘Yellow Envelope' bill

The bill is designed to guarantee bargaining rights for indirectly employed and subcontracted workers and prohibit companies from filing damage claims against unions. The Labor Ministry anticipates that more unions will begin demanding negotiations.

2026-03-11

Lee urges cooperation between big and small businesses as 'survival strategy'

President Lee Jae Myung stressed that cooperation between large and small businesses is an "investment and survival strategy" in a meeting with businesspeople on Tuesday, the first day the pro-labor "Yellow Envelope" act came into force.

2026-03-10

'Yellow Envelope' law a new start for worker, management co-prosperity: chief of staff

President Lee Jae Myung's chief of staff said Monday the revised labor law aimed at broadening workers' bargaining rights should serve as a starting point for promoting dialogue and co-prosperity between labor and management.

2026-03-09

Businesses on alert as 'Yellow Envelope Law' goes into effect Tuesday

Korea's revised labor law taking effect Tuesday broadens the scope of labor disputes to include certain "management decisions affecting working conditions," and could delay industrial change by complicating all decisions small and big.

2026-03-09

Finance minister vows efforts for smooth implementation of 'Yellow Envelope' bill

The government will focus all its capabilities on the smooth implementation of the revised labor law aimed at broadening the bargaining rights of workers, Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol said Wednesday.

2026-03-04

Gov't lays out pro-labor bill for foreign business lobbies

The government held a meeting with representatives of foreign business lobbies Thursday to communicate on the planned implementation of the revised labor law that is expected to broaden the bargaining rights of workers in Korea, officials said.

2026-02-26

Korea's renewed shipbuilding boom reignites grievances over subcontractor bonuses

As profits return to Korea’s shipyards after years of stagnation, so has an old fault line. A dispute over performance bonuses is exposing persistent inequalities between full-time workers and subcontracted labor that underpins much of the industry.

2026-01-26

English disclosure requirement for listed firms to expand, 'Yellow Envelope' law to take effect in 2026

A greater number of Korean companies will be required to provide regulatory filings in English starting next year, offering enhanced transparency and wider market access to foreign investors.

2025-12-31

Upcoming 'Yellow Envelope' Act driving higher subcontractor bonuses, employer concerns

With the so-called Yellow Envelope Act — amendments to Articles 2 and 3 of the Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act — set to take effect in March next year, disputes over “subcontractor bonuses” are heating up.

2025-12-21

korea joongAng daily