Minister Kim Jung-kwan: "Samsung Electronics Strike Must Be Prevented... If Unresolved, What Can Our Society Achieve?"

At the National Assembly Committee, "Desperate to Prevent the Strike Scheduled for the 21st"

"Nationwide Concerns Over the Impact of the Strike... Watching the Mediation Outcome with Sincere Hopes"

On the 14th, the "K-Consumer Goods Export Supply Chain Enhancement Financial Support Agreement Ceremony between Korea Trade Insurance Corporation and Woori Bank" was held at the Korea Trade Insurance Corporation in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Kim Junggwan, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, who attended the ceremony, is giving a greeting speech. 2026.04.14 Photo by Dongju Yoon

Kim Jung-kwan, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, expressed strong concern regarding the Samsung Electronics union's announcement of a general strike, stating, "If we cannot resolve the Samsung Electronics strike, what will our society be able to accomplish in the future?"

On the 19th, during a plenary session of the National Assembly's Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs, and Startups Committee, Minister Kim said, "As the second round of mediation is currently underway, I am limited in making specific comments," but added, "I am desperate to prevent the strike at all costs."

He further stated, "The reality is that everyone in the country is concerned about the repercussions of a potential strike at Samsung Electronics," and added, "Knowing the negative impacts a strike would have and yet being unable to resolve it leaves me with a deep sense of urgency and regret about what our society would be able to achieve in the future."

He continued, "Since yesterday, I have been watching the mediation process with the utmost caution and sincere prayers," and added, "I truly hope the result will be in line with the wishes of the entire nation."

Previously, on the 14th, Minister Kim also called for compromise between labor and management at Samsung Electronics through social media. At that time, he stressed, "Under no circumstances should a strike be allowed," expressing concern about the potential impact on global supply chains and the domestic industry as a whole if production disruptions become a reality.

Currently, labor and management at Samsung Electronics are undergoing mediation procedures at the Central Labor Relations Commission. The union has called for a revision of the wage structure and improvements to the performance-based pay system, and has announced plans to begin a general strike starting on the 21st.

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