Fact Check: "Service fees for domestic workers have skyrocketed to 16,800 won per hour."
What We Know
The claim that service fees for domestic workers have reached 16,800 won per hour is based on recent discussions surrounding the costs associated with foreign domestic workers in South Korea. According to a report from the Korea Herald, this fee has been highlighted as a significant barrier to the broader adoption of the foreign domestic worker program. Additionally, a more recent article from the same publication states that as of 2025, the service fee indeed stands at 16,800 won, which is approximately $12.30 per hour (source-6). This increase reflects a rise from an initial fee of 13,940 won per hour, which included minimum wage and other mandatory costs (source-8).
Analysis
The sources confirming the claim about the service fees are credible and provide a clear timeline of the fee increase. The Korea Herald is a well-known news outlet in South Korea, and its reports are generally considered reliable. The fee of 16,800 won per hour is corroborated by multiple articles, indicating a consensus on this figure within the media.
However, it is important to note that while the fee has indeed increased to 16,800 won, the context in which this fee is described matters significantly. The term "skyrocketed" implies an extreme and sudden increase, which may not accurately reflect the gradual nature of the fee adjustments over time. The initial fee was set at 13,940 won, and while the increase to 16,800 won represents a notable rise, it does not necessarily indicate an uncontrolled or abrupt escalation in costs.
Moreover, the claim lacks nuance regarding the economic factors influencing these rates, such as inflation, changes in labor laws, and the overall demand for domestic workers in South Korea. Therefore, while the fee is indeed 16,800 won, the characterization of this increase as "skyrocketing" may be misleading.
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that service fees for domestic workers have "skyrocketed" to 16,800 won per hour is misleading. While the fee has indeed reached this amount, the term "skyrocketed" suggests an extreme and rapid increase that does not accurately reflect the gradual nature of the fee adjustments. The fee has risen from 13,940 won to 16,800 won, which, while significant, does not constitute a sudden or uncontrolled spike in costs.
