Han Jeong-ae: "People Don't Like 'Half-Half' Social Security Responsibility"... Urges Introduction of Sick Leave Benefits

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] On the 24th, Han Jeong-ae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, urged the introduction of a responsible sickness allowance during the National Assembly's government questioning session on education, social, and cultural affairs, stating, "What people like is half fried chicken, half seasoned chicken, not splitting social security responsibilities half and half."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

During the afternoon government questioning session, Representative Han said to Park Neung-hoo, Minister of Health and Welfare, "According to the International Social Security Association, 163 out of 182 countries operate sickness allowance programs. However, our country is not included." He added, "The Ministry of Health and Welfare conducted a research project in 2021 and plans to introduce it for low-income groups. Why is it not being introduced for all health insurance beneficiaries?"

Minister Park responded, "It may seem that we have not implemented a health insurance system so far, but there has been a core support social security system," and added, "From 2022, we will boldly implement this main project."

Representative Han also pointed out to Lee Jae-gap, Minister of Employment and Labor, "Unlike overseas, our country does not have a proper paid sick leave or sickness allowance system, does it?" Minister Lee replied, "Most countries have completed systems that allow workers to rest and receive treatment when sick outside of work," and said, "Regarding the Korean New Deal plan, we are conducting research on sick leave and sickness allowance and reviewing the progress."

Regarding the application criteria of employment insurance for special employment workers, Representative Han also pointed out, "The ILO has changed the simple classification criteria between wage workers and self-employed. Shouldn't Korea also differentiate labor standards for special employment and platform labor?"

Minister Lee emphasized, "To resolve employment instability during the transition to the digital economy, it is important to incorporate these workers into the social insurance system."