The article discusses the severe issue of unpaid wages among undocumented migrant workers in South Korea, emphasizing the exploitation they face from employers, who often threaten them into silence.
The article highlights the distressing reality faced by undocumented migrant workers in South Korea, many of whom do not receive their wages due to intimidation and exploitation from employers who threaten them with police or immigration reports. It reveals that some unscrupulous employers believe they are not obligated to provide severance pay, leading to an environment where workers suffer in silence, and the situation is likened to theft or robbery rather than simple arrears.
The narrative indicates a grim picture concerning wage theft in the construction sector, where it is difficult to find workers who have not experienced unpaid wages, often amounting to shocking sums. There is a pervasive issue where complaints to labor inspectors may yield little results, especially when 'straw bosses' have already siphoned off assets, rendering these workers helpless. The article points out that the accumulated unpaid wages can drive laborers into crippling debt, forcing them to resort to extreme measures to survive, which maintains a cycle of exploitation.
Statistical data is presented to underline the escalating issue of wage arrears in South Korea, with the average number of victims increasing from 242,500 to 273,000 between 2021 and 2025, and the accumulated unpaid wages showing an alarming increase. The construction industry's contribution to wage arrears remains significant, with business establishments having under 30 employees accounting for a large portion of this problem. The broader economic context indicates that deteriorating business conditions have compounded the issue, drawing attention to the need for more stringent regulations and support systems for vulnerable workers in such precarious situations.
