Employment and Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon attends a meeting of ministers related to the economy and real estate held at the Seoul government complex in Jongno District on May 15, 2026. (Yonhap)
Korean President Lee Jae Myung said Tuesday that while workers have every right to pursue their interests, it “should be kept to an appropriate level” in remarks aimed at the Samsung Electronics labor union.“The three basic rights of labor are designed to protect workers, as vulnerable members of society, and solidarity and responsibility are the operating principles there. Those rights aren’t supposed to be weaponized for the collective benefit of a handful of individuals,” Lee said during a Cabinet meeting at the Blue House on Wednesday.“Operating profits are supposed to be distributed to investors and stockholders. Even the government contributes to the growth and development of specific companies, with its support taking the form of tax breaks, facility assistance and diplomatic efforts,” Lee said.“Not even investors get to systematically siphon off profits before the assessment of the taxes that can be regarded as the public’s share. That doesn’t make sense to me,” the president went on.Lee’s comments amount to overt criticism of the Samsung Electronics labor union’s current demand for the company to commit to distributing a percentage of its operating profit as bonuses for employees.“The ultimate responsibility for mediating all these matters lies with the government,” Lee said, while acknowledging the dangers of overcorrection.Despite mediation by the National Labor Relations Commission, Samsung management and labor once again failed to reach an agreement on bonuses on Wednesday.The Samsung Electronics labor union announced it would be “initiating a lawful strike tomorrow as promised.”
