From Wage Earner Collections to 15.64 Million Workers: 30 Years of Employment Insurance

Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service Receives Prime Minister's Commendation for Employment Insurance System
"Recognized for 30 Years of Safeguarding the Nation's Employment Safety Net"

Thirty years after the implementation of employment insurance, what began as collection work has now grown into a program protecting over 16 million working citizens, including artists and simple labor providers.

Thanks to these efforts, the Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service (President Park Jonggil) received a Prime Minister's Commendation on the 30th anniversary of employment insurance.

The organization announced that it was awarded the Prime Minister's Commendation at the 30th Anniversary of Employment Insurance Ceremony, hosted by the Ministry of Employment and Labor on September 8, in recognition of its contributions to the development of the employment insurance system and efforts to close coverage gaps.

Since beginning employment insurance coverage and collection work in 1999, the organization has taken on the management of insured qualifications since 2017, playing a key role in the operation of unemployment benefits and insurance finances.

It has been highly praised for gradually expanding the scope of employment insurance protection not only to workers but also to artists and labor providers in various forms of employment, thereby strengthening the employment safety net for vulnerable groups previously outside the system.

As a result of these efforts, as of June this year, the number of regular worker policyholders reached 15.64 million, an increase of 3.34 million compared to ten years ago. Additionally, about 1.4 million artists and labor providers newly joined employment insurance and are now protected. This has greatly enhanced inclusiveness and fairness in the labor market.

The organization plans to continue its efforts so that all working citizens can benefit from employment insurance by expanding coverage, advancing the premium assessment system, and strengthening field-oriented administrative services.

President Park Jonggil stated, "This award is recognition of the achievements of our staff, who have worked together over the past 30 years for the stable operation and development of the employment insurance system," adding, "We will do our utmost to build a strong employment safety net so that everyone can feel secure even in the face of unemployment or job insecurity."

Kwon Changjun, Vice Minister of Employment and Labor (left), and Park Jonggil, President of the Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service (right), are showing the award plaque at the 30th Anniversary of Employment Insurance Prime Minister Commendation Ceremony.