South Korea’s job market is undergoing significant changes, with a rise in wrongful termination cases and a growing disparity between large corporations and small to mid-sized enterprises. These developments pose risks to employees and employers as they navigate shifting employment practices, legal compliance and social perception.

According to data from the National Labor Relations Commission, wrongful terminations accounted for 26% of labor disputes during the first eight months of 2023, a significant increase from 15% in 2022. Experts attribute this spike to changing job market dynamics and a growing awareness of workers’ rights, particularly among younger generations.

“Koreans are more