[How Is Your Dream?] "Employment Protection for Freelancers and Artists, Need to Address Blind Spots"

[Youth Speak②] Kim Sumin, Academy Instructor and Artist

Various Government Jobs Require Difficult Qualifications and Are Contract-Based
Cannot Receive Up to 2 Million Won 'Emergency Employment Stability Support'
'Monthly Income Over 500,000 Won' Artist Employment Insurance Requirement Also Has Loopholes

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] Last year, the employment market froze cold due to the impact of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). A 30-year-old academy instructor, who was in the blind spot of the employment insurance system, lost their job and faced a bleak time, while university students who have not yet stepped into society are greatly worried about the increasingly narrow job market. This year, as uncertainty in corporate management rises, youth employment difficulties are expected to worsen. According to a survey conducted by the Korea Employers Federation targeting 212 businesses with more than 30 employees nationwide, more than six out of ten responding companies said they would reduce hiring this year compared to last year. In this situation, we looked into what kind of job and youth policies ordinary young people in our society hope for from the government.

Kim Soo-min (31, pseudonym), who taught middle school essay writing at a franchise academy in Seoul, was laid off at the end of last year due to the impact of COVID-19, less than a year after joining. In an interview with Asia Economy on the 5th, Kim said, "Middle school students were highly fearful of COVID-19, and since entrance exams were not urgent, many stopped attending the academy," adding, "I understand that there was a directive to lay off one-third of all academy instructors."

As a freelancer, Kim did not receive the 'Emergency Employment Stability Subsidy' provided by the Ministry of Employment and Labor, which paid up to 2 million won per person. He said, "It seems the company did not properly handle payroll. My 2019 income was recorded as absurdly low, so I was not eligible for support," and added, "Many other freelancers around me also say it is difficult to prove their income."

Considering employment in the e-learning sector as part of the government's job projects, Kim was blocked by strict qualification requirements. He said, "When I looked closely at the job postings, the requirements were stricter than I thought. They only hired those with relevant certifications, four-year university graduates, or experienced individuals." He added, "I wondered, 'Would someone with this level of experience and qualifications work as a short-term contract employee for a monthly salary of 2 to 3 million won?'"

Minister Lee Jae-gap of the Ministry of Employment and Labor is holding a briefing on the promotion of nationwide employment insurance at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 23rd. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

Kim also considered knocking on the door of the government's employment support service, the 'Employment Success Package,' but it was not easy to receive months of counseling and training when income was urgently needed. Kim explained, "The quality of jobs linked by the government was not guaranteed," adding, "I often felt like job seekers were randomly connected to companies, and among them were so-called black companies."

Kim, who usually writes novels, recently signed a contract with a content company and is currently writing. He looked into whether he could enroll in the artist employment insurance, which started in December last year, but that too was in vain. This time, he was blocked by the income requirement of 'a monthly average income of at least 500,000 won.' Kim said, "Although I signed a contract, I have not launched any works yet, so I currently have no income," adding, "I need to sell content to generate income, but how much it will sell is uncertain."

To enter the employment insurance system, Kim submitted applications to several companies and recently joined a small civic organization. He will start work next Monday. He expressed concern, saying, "It would be fortunate if people like me get employed, but there are still many freelancers and artists left in the blind spots of the system."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.