[On-site Video] "Raise It More" vs "Slowly"... Citizens' Reactions to Next Year's Minimum Wage

[Asia Economy Reporters Seunggon Han, PD Jingeun Yoon] "It can't be helped." , "Shouldn't it be raised a bit more?"

As next year's minimum wage was decided at 9,160 won per hour, a 5.1% increase from this year, citizens showed mixed reactions. While some viewed it as an inevitable decision amid the COVID-19 crisis, others criticized the minimum wage hike as very disappointing.

A man in his late 20s living in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, referred to as Mr. A, expressed a critical opinion. He pointed out, "There is doubt whether it is actually possible to live on the minimum wage and enjoy a humane life." He also criticized, "Regardless of the current government's efforts, they failed to keep the '10,000 won minimum wage pledge.'"

Another office worker in his 30s, Mr. B, mentioned COVID-19 and expressed that this was the best possible outcome. Mr. B said, "If COVID-19 had not occurred, I would have had a negative view of the minimum wage result, but given the COVID-19 situation, I think we need to respond more flexibly."

The 2022 minimum wage was set at 9,160 won per hour, a 5.0% increase from this year's minimum wage. The Minimum Wage Commission (MWC) held its 9th plenary meeting at the Government Complex Sejong on the 12th and voted to approve the public interest committee's single proposal of 9,160 won per hour as the minimum wage for 2022.

When converted to a monthly salary, based on 40 hours per week including paid weekly holidays and 209 working hours per month, it amounts to 1,914,440 won, which is 91,960 won higher than this year. Relatedly, labor and employer representatives from the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions protested and walked out during the deliberation, sparking labor-management conflicts over the minimum wage increase.

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