Busan Northern Employment and Labor Office Mobilizes All Efforts for Wage Arrears Settlement Ahead of Chuseok... Launches "Wage Arrears SWAT Team"

The Busan Northern Employment and Labor Office (headed by Min Gwangje) is operating a "Wage Arrears Intensive Settlement Guidance Period" for six weeks from August 29 to October 2, ahead of the Chuseok holiday, in order to minimize wage arrears damages for workers.

During this period, for large-scale or collective wage arrears cases involving damages of at least 100 million won or 30 or more affected workers, the head of the office will directly oversee the settlement process. In addition, the office plans to respond strictly to employers who intentionally withhold wages, including through compulsory investigations such as arrest and detention.

If violations of the law are suspected through media reports or tips, the office will initiate an ex officio investigation regardless of whether a formal complaint has been filed. For employers who refuse to appear without a valid reason, the office will also consider applying for an arrest warrant.

Reports of wage arrears cases will be processed promptly. If unpaid wages are confirmed, corrective orders will be issued to ensure payment is completed before the holiday. If employers fail to comply, the office will proceed with criminal procedures. In particular, if illegal subcontracting in the construction industry is detected, the office will immediately notify the local government and directly guide the primary contractor in the settlement process.

The office is also strengthening proactive guidance for businesses vulnerable to wage arrears. To this end, it has expanded monitoring of at-risk workplaces, supports loan programs for employers in arrears, and provides free consultations with certified labor attorneys, among other support measures.

Especially during this period, the office is operating dedicated online and offline reporting channels and a "Wage Arrears SWAT Team" in cooperation with the police and local governments. The SWAT Team consists of five members, including the head of the Labor Improvement Guidance Division as team leader and a chief team member, and will immediately be dispatched to the scene to actively support settlements when cases occur.

Min Gwangje, head of the office, emphasized, "We will do everything possible to ensure that the number of workers facing difficulties due to wage arrears during a holiday meant to be enjoyed with family is minimized."

As of September 1, 2025, a total of 21.8 billion won in wage arrears had occurred in the jurisdiction of the Busan Northern Employment and Labor Office, of which 18 billion won has been settled through guidance from labor inspectors and the payment of substitute wages.

Busan Northern Employment and Labor Office

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