South Korea: government tightens sanctions for unpaid wages

A law passed on 22 October 2024 — and effective from 23 October — toughens penalties for employers that fail to pay wages on time. In cases of “manifestly intentional” non-payment or “non-payment for a cumulative period of three months”, employees in South Korea can now seek compensation in court of up to three times the amount owed. They can also file a complaint with the country’s labour and employment ministry. The names of offending employers will be published, and they will be barred from