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South Korea unveils bold reforms to protect livelihoods and workers

From cracking down on predatory lending to reducing deadly industrial accidents, Seoul's sweeping reforms aim to rebuild trust. Will they deliver real change?

The image shows a poster with the text "Finish the Job: Health Care Should Be a Right, Not a...
The image shows a poster with the text "Finish the Job: Health Care Should Be a Right, Not a Privilege" and a card with the words "Make Lower Health Care Premiums Permanent and Close the Coverage Gap for American Families" printed on it, emphasizing the importance of health care and the need to make lower health care premiums permanent and close the coverage gap for American families.

South Korea unveils bold reforms to protect livelihoods and workers

The South Korean government has announced a series of new policies aimed at protecting people’s lives and livelihoods. Key areas include stricter financial regulations, improved labour conditions, and expanded welfare support for those facing severe economic struggles.

Under the new financial measures, authorities will crack down on illegal lending, aggressive debt collection, and market manipulation. These steps are designed to shield consumers from unfair financial practices.

In the workplace, the government plans to tighten rules around hazardous subcontracting. Additional protections will focus on reducing industrial accidents and cutting excessive working hours. Officials have stressed the need to create safer and more sustainable working environments. The welfare system will also see major changes. The *Just Dream* programme will be fully rolled out to ensure survival rights for those in extreme financial hardship. Alongside this, the government will expand regional doctor schemes and invest in public medical schools to strengthen the social safety net.

The policies will take effect in the coming months, targeting financial exploitation, unsafe working conditions, and gaps in healthcare access. Officials have stated that these changes are intended to provide immediate relief while building long-term stability for vulnerable groups.

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