South Korea expands youth employment age and establishes labor committee

The South Korean government has approved amendments to expand the age limit for youth employment support and established a formal framework to improve conditions for non-regular workers in the public sector.

Under the revised Special Act on Youth Employment Promotion, the age eligibility for government youth policies will increase from 15–29 years old to 15–34 years old. This change aims to provide consistent support and assist young adults in their early 30s as they enter the labor market.

Additionally, the Cabinet approved the enforcement decree for the establishment and operation of the Public Service Workers Committee. This labor-government consultative body is designed to discuss improvements for non-regular workers, including those on fixed-term, dispatched, or outsourced contracts. The decree outlines the structure of the committee, including a working committee of up to 30 members, a development council of up to 20 members, and sector-specific councils of up to 15 members. These regulations are set to take effect on September 18.