Inauguration Ceremony for Economic, Social and Labor Council Chairman Held on November 5
"Participation of All Stakeholders Is Most Crucial"
Kim Jihyung, who has become the new chairman of the Economic, Social and Labor Council, a presidential advisory body for social dialogue, stated on November 5, "If it is for the purpose of rebuilding the Economic, Social and Labor Council as a fully functioning deliberative body, I am willing to make every possible effort, even beyond the traditional 'three visits' approach."
At his inauguration ceremony held at the Grand Conference Room of the Economic, Social and Labor Council in Jung-gu, Seoul, Kim Jihyung emphasized, "For the Council to fulfill its original functions and roles, it is most crucial that all stakeholders-labor, management, and government-participate in the Council's discussions."
Kim Jihyung, the newly appointed chairman of the Economic, Social and Labor Council, is speaking at the inauguration ceremony held on the 5th at the main conference room of the Economic, Social and Labor Council in Jung-gu, Seoul. Economic, Social and Labor Council
Before addressing various pressing issues facing the Council-including low birth rates and an aging society, youth employment, labor market polarization, industrial restructuring, and the transition to artificial intelligence (AI)-Kim Jihyung identified the most urgent priority as ensuring that all stakeholders in labor, management, and government participate without exception, thereby achieving a 'fully functioning deliberative body.'
The background to Kim Jihyung's remarks lies in his call for the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) to participate. The KCTU withdrew from the dialogue body in February 1999 and has not returned since. The Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) also suspended its participation last year, citing political issues following the martial law situation, but has since returned.
Kim Jihyung explained, "The Economic, Social and Labor Council is not a mere formality," adding, "It is not a showcase body for implementing government policies predetermined by the administration." He continued, "The Council's raison d'etre should be found in the government respecting the outcomes of the Council's consultations when making appropriate policy decisions."
He stated, "I will focus on playing the role of presiding over procedures, as well as acting as a coordinator or mediator." He further emphasized, "Rather than setting a deadline for discussions, my goal will be to conclude deliberations only when all participants reach a consensus, because the Council is a forum for public discourse."
He also suggested, "It is worth considering expanding the agenda to include not only matters related to employment and labor policy, but also related economic and social policies, in order to gather a wide range of opinions." He added, "We will actively pursue multi-layered social dialogue that encompasses regions, industries, generations, and social classes."
Kim Jihyung is a career legal professional who previously served as presiding judge at the Seoul High Court and as a Supreme Court justice. He is recognized as an authority in labor law. After retiring from the Supreme Court, he participated in mediating social conflicts, including serving as chairman of the Public Deliberation Committee for Shin-Kori Nuclear Reactors Units 5 and 6. His term is two years, with the possibility of reappointment.
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