"Ultimately, Only Public Officials Get Red Days Off" Concerns Raised Over Expansion of Substitute Holidays

Ruling and Opposition Parties Agree on Expanding Substitute Holidays for June
Some Express Concerns Over 'Holiday Polarization'

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] The ruling and opposition parties are expected to pass a bill expanding substitute holidays during the June extraordinary session of the National Assembly. This move considers the effect of revitalizing domestic consumption amid economic contraction caused by COVID-19.

However, some voices point out that the benefits of the substitute holiday system will only be available to public officials and public sector workers, raising concerns that the expansion of holidays could ultimately lead to a 'holiday polarization.'

A list summarizing the public holidays for the second half of this year. Photo by Online Community Capture

Recently, Seo Younggyo, chairperson of the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee and a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated in a phone interview with Yonhap News, "We are actively considering the passage of the bill expanding substitute holidays, taking into account its effect on job creation and economic revitalization during these difficult times due to COVID-19."

Currently, substitute holidays apply only to Chuseok, Seollal, and Children's Day. However, as Liberation Day, National Foundation Day, Hangul Day, and Christmas fall on weekends in the second half of this year, there have been ongoing demands to increase substitute holidays.

Civilians have expressed welcoming opinions regarding the bill to expand substitute holidays. Office worker Kim (29) said, "There are not many holidays in the second half of the year, so I was saving my annual leave, but this is welcome news," adding, "I hope the bill passes quickly. I want to rest comfortably without worrying about my boss."

Netizens also showed support with comments such as "Please expedite the process," "Holidays are a small joy for office workers. Please pass it as soon as possible," and "Expanding substitute holidays can improve work productivity."

The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

However, some raise concerns that expanding holidays could cause 'holiday polarization.' While public officials and public sector workers can benefit, private sector workers may not have their right to rest guaranteed even if substitute holidays are expanded.

One netizen pointed out, "Isn't it only good for public officials even if substitute holidays are expanded? We need to find a way for everyone to rest together. It probably won't apply to workplaces with five or fewer employees," adding, "In the end, some small business employees may feel relatively deprived. Please let the entire nation rest."

Another netizen criticized, "I oppose the substitute holiday system that only allows public officials, public enterprises, and large company employees to rest," and added, "It's already hard working at a small business, and now I have to feel discriminated against even on days off."

Meanwhile, countries such as the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany implement a 'fixed weekday holiday system.' This system designates holidays not by a fixed date but by a specific weekday of the week. South Korea also discussed introducing this system in 2011, but it was ultimately abandoned due to criticism that it could undermine the purpose and meaning of commemorative days.

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