People Power Party Targets 2030 Voters with Retirement Age Extension and Early Morning Delivery Ban Issues

Focusing on Issues Opposed by Young People

The People Power Party has launched a campaign targeting the votes of the 2030 generation by focusing on issues such as extending the retirement age and banning early morning deliveries. The government and the ruling party are intensifying their efforts on these two issues, as there is significant opposition from young people.

On December 15, the Policy Committee of the People Power Party and Assemblyman Kim Wisang held a forum at the National Assembly on the topic of "Employment Extension System Without Youth Job Reduction." Assemblyman Kim previously proposed a bill on employment extension, which would allow companies to choose between extending the retirement age or rehiring employees after retirement. The bill also links retirement age extension to a restructuring of the wage system. In contrast, the Democratic Party is actively considering a plan to increase the retirement age by one year every two to three years from 2029 to 2039. Kim Doeup, Chairman of the Policy Committee, emphasized, "Extending the retirement age without measures for youth employment could lead to generational conflict, so it is essential to create an employment environment where both young and older generations can coexist."

On the 15th, the Policy Committee of the People Power Party and Congressman Kim Wisang held a forum at the National Assembly on the topic of 'Employment Extension System Without Youth Job Reduction.' Photo by Choi Yuri

Lee Sooyoung, a special professor at the Korea University Institute of Aging Society, who presented at the forum, identified three challenges to be addressed in the discussion on extending the retirement age: a reduction in youth employment, increased labor costs for companies, and the deepening of the dual labor market structure. She pointed out that a uniform extension of the retirement age could reduce youth employment in high-quality jobs at large companies and public institutions, potentially slowing economic growth. Professor Lee suggested, "To prevent a decrease in youth jobs due to the burden on companies from extending the retirement age, it would be preferable to allow companies to choose between extending the retirement age and rehiring, and to implement retirement age extension gradually according to each company's circumstances." Kim Deokho, a professor at Sungkyunkwan University Graduate School of Government, proposed abolishing the retirement age, provided that employment and wage systems are made more flexible. Professor Kim argued, "Either abolish the retirement age on the premise of flexible employment and wage systems, or, if maintaining the current structure, keep the existing retirement age but legally require continued employment to maintain generational balance."

In the afternoon, the Policy Committee, along with Assembly members Woo Jaejun and Kim Eunhye, will hold a follow-up forum on banning early morning deliveries. In response to the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions' demand to prohibit early morning deliveries, the government and ruling party are currently reviewing specific measures. The People Power Party opposes the ban, arguing that early morning delivery is an essential daily service and a key distribution channel for small business owners.