AI · SEMICONDUCTOR · FACT CHECK
SKD WIRETrue
The Korean government is reviewing an exemption to the 52-hour workweek cap for research and development personnel, a move that would allow R&D workers in the technology and manufacturing sectors to exceed the current statutory weekly limit.
The 52-hour workweek cap, introduced under Korea's amended Labor Standards Act, limits overtime including weekday hours to 52 hours per week. The review of an R&D exception comes as Korean technology companies — including semiconductor leaders such as Samsung Electronics and SK hynix — have raised concerns that the cap constrains research-intensive development cycles and international competitiveness.
Specifics of the proposed exemption, including which job categories would qualify, how additional hours would be handled, and what safeguards would apply, remain under government deliberation and have not been finalized. The outcome depends on pending policy decisions and, ultimately, on any legislative changes required to amend the Labor Standards Act.
The claim that Korea is reviewing a 52-hour workweek exception for R&D personnel is True.
Verdict: True
