Minister Kim Younghoon Cautious on Exercising Emergency Mediation at Samsung Electronics: "Issues Must Be Resolved Through Dialogue"

On May 13, Kim Younghoon, Minister of Employment and Labor, drew a line regarding the possibility of exercising emergency mediation rights following the breakdown of post-mediation negotiations between management and employees at Samsung Electronics, stating that "the issue must be resolved through dialogue."

Appearing that morning on the YouTube channel "Jang Yoonseon's News Convenience Store," Minister Kim said, "The government’s position is that, regardless of the format, the problem must be solved through dialogue in any way possible," reiterating his stance.

Minister Kim also commented, "It is deeply regrettable that a final agreement was not reached," but emphasized, "Even if it means staying up all night, the issue must be resolved through dialogue." He added, "While the decision to strike is up to the union, the government will once again urge dialogue and step in to mediate so that it does not come to a strike."

Kim Younghoon, Minister of Employment and Labor, is attending the Labor Safety Ministers' Meeting held at the Government Complex Seoul in Jongno-gu, Seoul on April 16, 2026. Photo by Jo Yongjun

He further explained, "Although there is talk that the countdown to a strike has begun, the government’s position is that both sides must be persuaded, even if it means working down to the very last minute."

Minister Kim also mentioned the difficulties of labor-management negotiations. He stated, "Ceasefire negotiations are more difficult than war itself," and added, "A strike can be declared unilaterally, but negotiations can only happen if both sides are willing to understand each other."

Addressing the union, he said, "I respect that you may feel there is no further meaning in continuing," but also asked, "Since post-mediation is not a procedurally time-limited process, please return to the table for dialogue." To management, he urged, "If you reflect once more on why the union is making these demands, you may be able to find a solution."

Regarding the controversy over the institutionalization of performance bonuses, Minister Kim remarked, "There are also concerns that the demand to pay 15 percent of operating profit as bonuses is being emphasized while other discussions are not being sufficiently addressed." He continued, "The door has now opened for discussions on how to redistribute excess profits," stressing, "It is important to take the first step."

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