USFK Korean Workers' 'Special Act on Livelihood Support' Passes National Assembly Defense Committee... Estimated Up to 1.98 Million KRW Per Person

Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-du: "The US side is also aware, proceeding in the form of livelihood support payments"
Specific payment criteria to be stipulated by presidential decree

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The National Defense Committee of the National Assembly held a plenary session on the 29th and passed the "Special Act for Supporting the Livelihood Stability of Korean Workers Employed by the U.S. Forces Korea," aimed at supporting the livelihoods of about 4,000 Korean workers who have been forced into unpaid leave due to delays in the Special Measures Agreement (SMA) negotiations on defense cost-sharing between South Korea and the U.S.

The special act focuses on the South Korean government's provision of livelihood stabilization funds if Korean workers within the U.S. Forces Korea do not receive salaries due to delays in the SMA negotiations. The support targets include Korean nationals employed under Article 4 of the Mutual Defense Treaty between South Korea and the U.S., facilities and areas under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with the U.S. Forces Korea, as well as employees under Article 1 of the "Agreement between South Korea and the U.S. on the Status of Korean Laborers."

The amount of support is based on the Employment Insurance Act. Detailed matters such as the calculation of support funds, payment methods, and payment periods will be stipulated by presidential decree.

The contents stipulated in the special act have also been communicated to the U.S. side. Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo explained, "The U.S. side is aware but has expressed some concerns about payments being made as salaries," adding, "Since paying as salaries would mean finding other jobs, we plan to proceed in the form of livelihood support funds."

Jeong Seok-hwan, Director of Defense Policy, stated, "It is expected that 1.8 million to 1.98 million KRW will be paid per person," and explained, "Considering the average wages of the workers, it is estimated that about 7.5 billion KRW will be required monthly."

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