"What Happens If We Reduce Working Hours With a Declining Population?"
Comedian Park Myungsoo has expressed concerns about a decline in corporate productivity regarding the "4.5-day workweek," a policy that has been actively discussed since the inauguration of the Lee Jaemyung administration. His comments have sparked an ongoing debate online, with both supporters and opponents voicing their opinions.
On September 12, during KBS Cool FM's "Park Myungsoo's Radio Show," Park Myungsoo discussed the 4.5-day workweek with broadcaster Jeon Minki. Jeon Minki introduced the topic by saying, "While 61% of the public supports it, there are also concerns about wage cuts and decreased productivity."
In response, Park Myungsoo said, "Back when we had a six-day workweek, I worked hard even after leaving work at noon on Saturdays, and that's how I got to where I am now. With a declining population, we shouldn't be reducing working hours as well. Instead, we should focus on minimizing wasted time." He added, "As a freelancer, I work even during holidays. While it's important to keep up with the times, we also need to consider the corporate perspective. Issues like this require thorough discussion."
Afterward, Park Myungsoo's social media was flooded with comments both supporting and opposing his views. Some criticized him, saying, "The working environment for celebrities and office workers is different," and "What qualifications does someone without corporate experience have to speak on this?" Others pointed out, "The very attitude of representing the corporate side is problematic." On the other hand, there were voices in agreement, such as, "Even with the 52-hour workweek, our growth momentum has weakened. Reducing it further will make things harder," and "Companies need to thrive for jobs to exist."
The 4.5-day workweek was a presidential campaign pledge by President Lee Jaemyung, premised on no wage reduction, and is currently being considered for pilot implementation in some public sectors. According to a Korea Research survey in February, 61% of the public supported its introduction. In a Gallup poll in May, 48% were in favor and 42% opposed, showing a slight edge for supporters.
However, business circles are concerned about a loss of competitiveness and increased labor costs. In a survey conducted by the Korea Employers Federation in June, professors of business and economics cited "reduction of working hours" as the government policy most likely to negatively impact corporate competitiveness.
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