Semiconductor Special Act Passes Judiciary Committee Without 52-Hour Workweek Exemption

Further Discussions Planned on 52-Hour Workweek Exemption Issue

A special law containing support measures to strengthen the capabilities of the semiconductor industry passed the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee on December 10.

The committee held a plenary meeting on this day and approved the "Special Act on Strengthening Competitiveness and Support for the Semiconductor Industry" (Semiconductor Special Act).

Choo Mi-ae, Chairperson of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, is striking the gavel at the full committee meeting held at the National Assembly on December 10, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

The bill includes provisions for: ▲ the establishment of a "Special Committee on Strengthening Semiconductor Industry Competitiveness" under the President; ▲ designation of "semiconductor clusters" and the creation and support of related infrastructure; ▲ expansion of industrial infrastructure such as power, water, and road networks; and ▲ prioritization and exemption procedures for preliminary feasibility studies.

However, the contentious issue of exempting the semiconductor industry from the 52-hour workweek was not included in the bill.

When the bill was processed by the Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs and Startups Committee on December 4, both the ruling and opposition parties attached an additional opinion stating, "Recognizing the need for exceptions to working hours for research and development (R&D) personnel, given the importance and unique characteristics of the semiconductor industry, the relevant standing committee will continue discussions on alternatives." The parties plan to continue related discussions in the Industry Committee and the Climate, Energy, Environment and Labor Committee.