South Korea labor relief delays increase nationwide

The processing time for unfair dismissal relief applications in South Korea has significantly increased, according to data released by Representative Lee Kun-tae of the Democratic Party. As of September 2024, the number of cases exceeding 90 days for processing reached 4,843, surpassing the total for the previous year.

The proportion of cases taking longer than 90 days has risen from 10.7% in 2024 to 28.0% by September this year. The Central Labor Relations Commission has seen particularly severe delays, with an average processing time of 168 days this year, compared to 92 days in 2024. Of the 1,682 cases handled this year, 83.3% took more than 151 days.

Regional disparities are evident, with the Seoul and Gyeonggi areas accounting for 85.4% of all long-term cases in local labor commissions. In contrast, the Jeonnam Regional Labor Relations Commission maintained a stable average processing time of 43 days, with no cases exceeding 151 days. Representative Lee emphasized the need for increased investigative personnel and improved processing systems to ensure timely and fair relief for workers.