Gwon Gi-seop, Chair of the Economic and Social Development Commission, "Urgent Need for Social Dialogue in the New Year... Will Seek Continuous Employment Solutions"

"Crisis Requires Hope Solved Through Dialogue and Compromise"

Chairman Kwon Ki-seop of the Economic, Social and Labor Council stated that there are many tasks to be addressed in the new year, such as alleviating the dual structure of the labor market and protecting vulnerable workers, emphasizing that "social dialogue is more urgent than ever." He announced that the ongoing discussions on continuous employment, which began in earnest this year, will continue into the new year, saying, "We will seek concrete measures for continuous employment of the elderly."

Chairman Kwon mentioned this in his New Year's message released on the 31st. Having taken office as chairman last August, he outlined the new year's tasks and goals of the Economic, Social and Labor Council in his message. At the beginning of the message, he also expressed condolences regarding the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster, saying, "I pray for the repose of the victims and sincerely offer my condolences to their families."

Kwon Ki-seop, Chairman of the Economic, Social and Labor Council. Photo by Yonhap News

He said, "Last year (2024) was a year when social dialogue was fully activated," and explained, "The tripartite parties announced the joint declaration on February 6, which included the goal of 'creating good jobs for future generations,' and newly launched five committees including the 'Special Committee for Sustainable Jobs and Future Generations' and the 'Continuous Employment Committee for Responding to Demographic Changes,' establishing a framework for responsible discussions among labor, management, and government."

He continued, "Despite ups and downs, we achieved results by reaching a labor-government agreement on the exemption limits for working hours of public officials and teachers," adding, "As key agenda items such as continuous employment of the elderly and working hours were discussed, public expectations for social dialogue also grew." He further noted, "In particular, a consensus has formed that concrete measures for continuous employment must be promptly developed, triggered by the income gap for the elderly and the reform of the national pension system."

Chairman Kwon emphasized, "This year (2025), social dialogue is even more urgent." He said, "In addition to the sense of crisis caused by the reorganization of the global economic order and political uncertainties, a huge structural problem of low growth is looming," and added, "There are still challenges to be solved, such as alleviating the dual structure of the labor market and protecting vulnerable workers."

He went on to say, "We have a history of overcoming crises by uniting labor, management, and government during times of crisis such as the IMF crisis at the end of 1997, the global financial crisis in 2008, and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020," and explained, "Especially now, it is a time when hope is needed that the current crisis can be resolved through dialogue and compromise."

Chairman Kwon stated, "At the end of last year, we entered a super-aged society (where the population aged 65 and over accounts for more than 20%), experiencing the fastest aging process in the world," and said, "The Economic, Social and Labor Council will make efforts to find concrete measures for continuous employment of the elderly through active public discussions starting with the continuous employment forum in January this year, along with dialogue and compromise between labor and management."

Furthermore, he mentioned, "We will devote ourselves to solving pressing issues such as reforming outdated systems related to working hours and wages, labor market polarization, and future labor market problems including platform labor and artificial intelligence (AI)," and added, "We will also consider diversifying agendas such as revitalizing social dialogue at the regional level, climate change, and regional extinction." He also said, "We will prepare institutional improvement plans to enhance the sustainability and productivity of social dialogue."

Chairman Kwon said, "Our society is experiencing severe confrontation and conflict in all areas," and stated, "The Economic, Social and Labor Council will do its best to provide hope, however small, through social dialogue." He concluded by saying, "This year is the Year of the Blue Snake, symbolizing healing and recovery," and sincerely wished that "all citizens may regain stability and joy."

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