Politics · South Korea · 15 hrs ago
South Korea to offer free legal help to low-income injured workers
From March 30, 2027, South Korea will provide free legal help to eligible workers affected by workplace injuries and their survivors.
The support is for people covered by workers’ compensation insurance whose average monthly pay is below 3 million won.
A law passed by the National Assembly in September established the workers’ compensation representative system.
Lawyers or certified labor attorneys can help with claims for benefits related to occupational diseases, survivors’ benefits and challenges to decisions.
The government will cover the representative’s fee, with payment of up to about 700,000 won per case.
This matters because workers who struggle to prove an illness is work-related can get expert help without paying the representative themselves.
The Korea Workers’ Compensation and Welfare Service says it will prepare a pool of representatives before the system begins.
South Korea will provide free legal assistance to low-income workers injured at work from March 30, 2027.
Eligible workers and bereaved families can get help with insurance benefit claims and appeals.
The support is available to covered workers whose average monthly pay is below 3 million won.
The government will cover representation costs, with fees of up to about 700,000 won per case.
The 2027 operating budget for the scheme has been set at 3.9 billion won.
- Who
- Low-income workers covered by workers’ compensation insurance, and bereaved families.
- What
- They will be able to receive free legal assistance with work-related disease and bereavement benefit claims, as well as appeals.
- When
- The scheme takes effect on March 30, 2027.
- Where
- South Korea.
- Why
- The scheme is intended to help vulnerable workers who face difficulties proving that illnesses are work-related and pursuing compensation.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
An amendment to the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act passed the National Assembly plenary session.
The government’s proposed 2027 operating budget of 3.9 billion won for the scheme was confirmed.
The scheme is set to take effect.
- Start date
- March 30, 2027
- Income threshold
- Average monthly pay below 3 million won
- 2027 operating budget
- 3.9 billion won
- Maximum representative fee
- About 700,000 won per case
- Eligible representatives
- Lawyers or certified labor attorneys
1 source
What people are saying
We will do our utmost to ensure the system takes root successfully in the field through thorough preparations, including building a pool of capable representatives.