As the Lunar New Year approaches, a clear division arises between large retail stores in Jeju, with those in Seogwipo opting to close, while those in Jeju City, including major chains, will remain operational. This has prompted workers in Jeju City to voice their frustrations, with one employee expressing a desire for family time during holidays, a sentiment that many consider reasonable. The employee's reflections on social media gained traction, highlighting the common plight of workers who find themselves working when they would rather be with loved ones.

The decision to keep Jeju City marts open despite the holiday was influenced by pressure from the local merchant association, which led to a council meeting where the proposal to designate the Lunar New Year as a mandatory closing day was rejected. This decision results in employees in five major retail stores being required to work throughout the holiday period, which is in contrast to the intentions of many workers seeking time off. The conflicting views demonstrate a significant inability to balance business interests against the well-being of the workforce.

Furthermore, this incident reflects broader implications regarding labor rights and community dynamics in the face of commercial pressures. Despite laws that typically require large marts to observe mandatory closing days, exceptions have historically been made for major holidays. However, the rejection of the closure proposal indicates a shift in this practice, raising questions about worker protection and the treatment of employees in the retail sector. It points to a pressing need for dialogue and reassessment of labor rights, especially during significant cultural festivities.