Why Are Korea's Top IT Workers Striking After Record Profits? Inside the NeoPle and Hancom Labor Uprising

A New Era of Labor Unrest in Korea's IT Industry

Did you know Korea's once famously quiet IT sector is now at the center of a labor storm? In June 2025, unions at NeoPle (a Nexon subsidiary) and Hancom, two of Korea's tech giants, announced unprecedented collective actions. NeoPle's union is launching its first-ever full-scale strike, while Hancom's labor talks have collapsed, pushing both companies into the national spotlight. This isn't just about wages—it's about trust, transparency, and the future of work in Korea's digital economy.
What triggered this? Despite achieving record-breaking sales—NeoPle's 2024 revenue soared to 1.378 trillion KRW (about $1 billion), largely thanks to Dungeon & Fighter Mobile's success in China—workers saw their expected bonuses slashed by a third without prior agreement. Hancom, after surpassing 300 billion KRW in annual sales, faces similar unrest as wage hikes fail to match union expectations.
Across the tech sector, unions are demanding their fair share of the digital boom, and for the first time, they're willing to strike to get it.

NeoPle: Record Profits, Shrinking Bonuses, and a Historic Strike

NeoPle's union is making headlines for more than just its demands. After achieving the highest revenue in its history, the company reduced developers' performance bonuses to just two-thirds of the promised amount. The union claims this was done without consultation, breaking established norms and trust. On June 24, union members will gather in Seoul, followed by a rally at the Jeju headquarters, then embark on a three-day strike—the first in NeoPle's history.
The core demand? That 4% of last year's operating profit (about 39.3 billion KRW) be distributed as profit-sharing bonuses. The union is also protesting management's rising executive compensation, which has outpaced employee rewards. Management argues the new bonus system is about sustainability and fairness, but workers see it as a betrayal of the company's own promises.
Community reactions on forums like DC Inside and FM Korea are split: some sympathize with the union's fight for fair compensation, while others question if high IT salaries justify such strong action.

Hancom: Wage Talks Collapse Amid Record Sales

Hancom, Korea's leading office software company, is facing its own labor crisis. Despite achieving its highest-ever sales in 2024, wage negotiations broke down after eight rounds of talks. The union reduced its wage increase demand from 7.68% to 7.3%, but management held firm at 4.3%. The deadlock forced the dispute into the National Labor Relations Commission's mediation process.
Hancom insists its offer is reasonable, given years of increasing wages regardless of profit margins, and highlights the introduction of new performance-based incentives. The union, however, argues that the company's record profits should be reflected in base salary, not just selective bonuses.
On Korean community sites like Naver and Daum, commenters debate whether Hancom's conservative approach is justified or if the union's demands are overdue recognition for years of growth.

Kakao, Coupang, and the Rise of Tech Unions Across Korea

NeoPle and Hancom aren't alone. Kakao's union recently came within hours of a full strike before management offered a new proposal. Coupang, Korea's e-commerce giant, saw the launch of a new unified union (CUNION) demanding an end to opaque wage practices and forced performance rankings. Naver's union is also ramping up collective action, with participation rates over 50% at both Naver and Kakao.
This surge in union activity is a sharp break from the past. Once, IT workers were seen as 'elite' employees, enjoying high pay and perks. But as digital transformation accelerates, job security has become more precarious, and wage growth has slowed—from a 10.7% average increase in 2022 to just 7.3% in 2024.
On forums like PGR21 and Instiz, younger workers express support for unions, citing the need for transparency and fair treatment in an industry that once prided itself on horizontal culture but now faces increasing hierarchy and pressure.

Cultural Context: Why IT Unions Matter in Korea Today

For international readers, it's crucial to understand the cultural shift underway. Korea's IT sector, especially in the 'Pangyo Valley' tech cluster, was once famous for its flat structure and generous pay. But as companies matured, the gap between management and workers widened. Unions, which were rare in tech just a few years ago, are now seen as essential for protecting employee rights and ensuring fair distribution of corporate success.
There's also a generational element: younger workers, facing a tougher job market and slower wage growth, are more likely to join unions. The rise of remote work and AI-driven hiring has fueled anxiety about job security, making collective bargaining more attractive.
Communities like TheQoo and Nate Pann highlight both positive and negative reactions—some praise unions for standing up to corporate power, while others worry about the impact on Korea's global tech competitiveness.

Community Voices: Online Reactions and Fandom Insights

Korean online communities are buzzing with debate. On DC Inside, some users argue that even high-paid developers deserve fair bonuses if the company profits, while others say the union's demands are excessive. FM Korea features posts supporting the right to strike, especially given management's rising executive pay. On TheQoo, there's empathy for workers who feel betrayed by broken promises, but also concern about long-term job stability.
Bloggers on Naver and Tistory are analyzing the broader trend: the 'unionization wave' in Pangyo Valley is seen as a natural evolution as tech companies grow older and more hierarchical. Many bloggers note that these strikes are not just about money, but about restoring trust and ensuring that corporate success benefits everyone—not just executives.
For overseas fans of Korean tech and culture, this moment marks a turning point: the rise of a more assertive, organized tech workforce determined to shape the future of digital Korea.

The Road Ahead: What This Means for Korea's Digital Economy

The outcome of these strikes and negotiations will have ripple effects across Korea's tech industry. If unions at NeoPle, Hancom, and other giants secure better terms, it could set a new standard for profit-sharing and transparency in the sector. Conversely, if management prevails, companies may double down on cost-cutting and automation.
Experts warn that the real issue is not just pay, but the breakdown of internal trust and the need for more transparent, participatory management. As Professor Byung-Hoon Lee of Chung-Ang University notes, strong union action is justified when companies break established norms or promises.
Ultimately, the current wave of labor unrest is a sign of a maturing industry grappling with how to balance innovation, profit, and people. For Korea's global fans, it's a reminder that even the most advanced digital economies are built on the everyday struggles—and aspirations—of their workers.