South Korea unemployment benefits see rise in repeated recipients

Data from the Ministry of Employment and Labor reveals a significant rise in repeated unemployment benefit recipients in South Korea. Last year, approximately 113,000 individuals received benefits three or more times, with total payments reaching nearly 600 billion won. Among these, 65,000 people repeatedly resigned and rejoined the same workplace.

Cases of fraudulent claims are also increasing. Investigations identified individuals who falsified reasons for leaving work, such as claiming contract expiration instead of voluntary resignation. In one notable instance, a business owner in Daegu was investigated for using brokers to recruit fake employees to claim approximately 540 million won in benefits.

Additionally, employment trends show a rise in fixed-term and part-time workers, reaching record levels. This increase is attributed to an aging population requiring more health and welfare services, as well as companies re-employing retirees in flexible roles. National Assembly member Kim So-hee has called for fundamental reforms, including increasing the minimum insurance contribution period from 180 days to 12 months to prevent exploitation of the system.