Lee Jae-myung's 4-Day Workweek Promise Faces Public Backlash - South Korea Divided on Labor Reform

The Great Divide: South Korea's 4-Day Workweek Controversy Unfolds

President Lee Jae-myung's ambitious promise to introduce a 4-day workweek in South Korea has hit a significant roadblock as recent polling data reveals a nation deeply divided on this labor reform initiative. According to a comprehensive survey conducted by Jowon C&I for Straight News between June 21-23, 2025, involving 2,004 adults aged 18 and above, a striking 49.9% of respondents oppose the implementation of a 4-day work system. This opposition, comprising 18.7% who are 'generally opposed' and 31.2% who are 'strongly opposed,' narrowly edges out the 45.4% who support the measure (26.3% strongly in favor, 19.1% generally in favor). The remaining 4.7% remained undecided, highlighting the contentious nature of this policy proposal that was once considered a cornerstone of Lee's presidential campaign.

The survey results paint a complex picture of South Korean society's attitudes toward work reform, challenging the conventional wisdom that shorter working hours would be universally welcomed in a country notorious for its demanding work culture. With South Koreans working an average of 1,901 hours annually in 2022 - 149 hours more than the OECD average - the resistance to reduced working hours reveals deeper concerns about economic stability, productivity, and the practical implications of such a dramatic shift in labor policy.

Generational and Regional Fault Lines in Public Opinion

The polling data reveals fascinating generational and regional patterns that underscore the complexity of implementing nationwide labor reforms. Surprisingly, the highest opposition rates come from the 60+ age group, with 60.3% of respondents in their 60s opposing the 4-day workweek, followed closely by those aged 70 and above at 54.2%. Perhaps most unexpectedly, young adults aged 18-29 also showed significant resistance at 52.7%, challenging assumptions that younger generations would automatically embrace shorter working hours. This demographic, often assumed to prioritize work-life balance, appears to harbor concerns about career advancement and economic security that outweigh the appeal of additional leisure time.

In stark contrast, the 30s and 40s age groups emerge as the strongest supporters of the 4-day workweek, with 51.1% and 58.5% approval rates respectively. This middle-aged demographic, likely juggling career responsibilities with family obligations, sees the greatest potential benefit in reduced working hours. Regional variations are equally telling, with Gwangju and Jeolla provinces showing the strongest support at 57.3% versus 38.3% opposition. Meanwhile, Daejeon, Sejong, and Chungcheong regions demonstrate the strongest resistance (57.5% opposed vs. 38.9% in favor), along with Daegu and North Gyeongsang provinces showing similar patterns of opposition.

The Economic Reality Check: Business Concerns Mount

As Labor Minister nominee Kim Young-hoon expressed his commitment to implementing the 4.5-day workweek, describing it as 'an inevitable path' for navigating digital transformation, low birth rates, and an aging population, business communities have raised significant concerns about the economic implications. The Korea Enterprises Federation has warned that with labor productivity already lower than that of advanced countries, simply reducing legal working hours could lead to a decline in corporate competitiveness. Small and medium-sized enterprises, in particular, face the prospect of increased labor costs through either additional hiring or overtime payments to maintain productivity levels.

The manufacturing sector, which operates around the clock, faces unique challenges in implementing reduced working hours. Industries such as semiconductors, steel production, and automotive manufacturing require continuous operations that don't easily accommodate shortened work weeks. Law firm Lee & Ko has cautioned that just as the adoption of the five-day workweek in 2003 imposed additional costs without corresponding wage cuts, the proposed 4.5-day system could significantly impact corporate operating costs, especially when combined with other labor reforms like the abolition of the 'inclusive wage system' for overtime work.

Global Trends vs. Korean Realities: Learning from International Examples

While South Korea grapples with public resistance to shorter working hours, international examples provide both inspiration and cautionary tales. Iceland's successful implementation of a 4-day workweek from 2015-2019 demonstrated that productivity could be maintained while significantly improving worker well-being and job satisfaction. The Nordic country saw economic growth rates increase from 2% to 5% following the implementation, with no reduction in wages. Similarly, pilot programs in the United Kingdom, France, and Spain have shown promising results, with companies reporting improved employee retention, reduced burnout, and maintained or even increased productivity levels.

However, the Korean context presents unique challenges that differentiate it from these success stories. The deeply ingrained culture of long working hours, hierarchical workplace structures, and the competitive nature of Korean business environment create obstacles that may not exist in other countries. The Federation of Korean Trade Unions has pointed out that 17% of Korean workers still work more than 48 hours per week - more than twice the EU average of 7.3% - indicating that the country's work culture reform needs are more fundamental than simple hour reductions.

Tech Industry Leading the Charge: Early Adopters Show Promise

Despite broader public resistance, South Korea's information and communications technology sector has emerged as an early adopter of flexible working arrangements, including 4-day workweeks. Companies like Ndolphine Connect and Millie have implemented full 4-day work schedules, while larger corporations like Cafe24 and Kakao Games operate alternating 4-day workweeks. Even traditional giants like SK Telecom have introduced monthly 4-day weeks, designating every third Friday as a company-wide day off.

The tech sector's embrace of shorter working hours reflects both the industry's innovative culture and its need to attract top talent in a competitive market. According to a Saramin survey, 86.7% of employees in the tech sector view the 4-day workweek positively, with over 60% willing to accept pay cuts for reduced hours. The average acceptable pay reduction stands at 7.7%, with most workers comfortable with cuts between 5-10%. This willingness to trade income for time represents a significant shift in Korean workplace values, at least within certain industries.

Government Pilot Programs: Gyeonggi Province Takes the Lead

Gyeonggi Province has positioned itself at the forefront of South Korea's 4-day workweek experiment, launching a comprehensive pilot program in 2025 that involves approximately 50 organizations. The program offers three flexible options: a 4.5-day week with shortened hours on specific days (such as 4-hour Fridays), flexible daily hour adjustments, or alternating 4-day weeks every two weeks. This pilot program specifically targets small and medium-sized enterprises with 50-300 employees, recognizing that these companies need the most support in implementing such significant changes.

The provincial government's approach emphasizes maintaining wages while reducing hours, directly addressing one of the primary concerns raised in public opinion polls. By providing financial support and guidance to participating companies, Gyeonggi Province aims to demonstrate that shorter working hours can be economically viable while improving worker satisfaction and productivity. The program's success or failure will likely influence national policy decisions and public opinion on the broader implementation of reduced working hours across South Korea.

The Path Forward: Balancing Ambition with Reality

As President Lee Jae-myung's administration faces the challenge of implementing one of its key campaign promises against significant public resistance, the path forward requires careful navigation of competing interests and concerns. The polling data suggests that successful implementation will require addressing specific demographic and regional concerns, particularly among older workers and in conservative regions where opposition is strongest. The government must also tackle legitimate business concerns about productivity and costs while maintaining its commitment to improving work-life balance for Korean workers.

The debate over the 4-day workweek ultimately reflects broader questions about South Korea's economic future and social priorities. As the country faces demographic challenges including low birth rates and an aging population, along with technological disruption and changing worker expectations, labor policy reforms become increasingly critical. Whether the Lee administration can build broader public support for its vision of reduced working hours may depend on its ability to demonstrate concrete benefits while addressing the practical concerns that have led to current public resistance. The success of pilot programs like those in Gyeonggi Province, combined with evidence from early-adopting companies, will likely play a crucial role in shaping public opinion and determining the feasibility of nationwide implementation.