Seoul: Democratic Party (DP) presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung has committed to enhancing support for businesses adopting a 4.5-day workweek as part of a broader strategy to address South Korea's extensive working hours.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee expressed his ambition to reduce the country's average working hours below the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) average by 2030. Current statistics reveal that South Korean workers put in an average of 1,874 hours in 2023, which is roughly 150 hours more than their OECD counterparts.

In a Facebook post, Lee outlined his plan to introduce support measures for companies that transition to a 4.5-day workweek, with a long-term goal of moving towards a 4-day workweek. He further suggested implementing a cap on daily working hours and a minimum reset period system to mitigate the risks associated with overwork.

Lee emphasized the need for legislation mandating the government to develop effective strategies to prevent deaths related to excessive work, underscoring his commitment to protecting worker welfare and promoting a healthier work-life balance.