On December 12, the South Korean National Assembly passed the Labor Supervisor Act, which officially changes the title of 'Work Supervisor', used for 73 years, to 'Labor Supervisor'. This change aims to better align the role with the current labor standards and laws, incorporating the duties, powers, and enforcement criteria of supervisors within a legal framework. The law also delegates some supervisory authority over businesses to local governors, creating a dual structure for labor supervision between central and local supervisors. This restructuring is designed to facilitate closer oversight of labor rights at a local level, thereby enhancing protections for workers in smaller businesses and those in specific industries.

Additionally, the new law removes the direct investigative powers of prosecutors regarding labor relations law violations, which had been previously shared with work supervisors. Now, prosecutors will be limited to directing investigations conducted by labor supervisors rather than conducting their own. This shift is expected to streamline enforcement and place more responsibility on labor supervisors to ensure compliance with labor laws, reflecting a significant shift in how labor oversight is administered in South Korea.

Furthermore, the National Assembly also passed amendments to the Labor Standards Act, which introduces a wage segregation payment system. This new policy mandates that contractors must differentiate payments for subcontractors' wages from other business costs, especially in industries like construction and shipbuilding, where such practices are common. These amendments, which will take effect on January 1 of the following year, also increase the penalties for employers who delay wages, reflecting a growing emphasis on protecting workers’ rights in South Korea.