Fact Check: South Korea's Domestic Worker Program Faces Uncertainty After Political Leadership Change
What We Know
South Korea's pilot program for overseas domestic workers, which began in September 2024, is currently facing significant uncertainty following a change in political leadership. The initiative was designed to alleviate the pressures on working parents by allowing the hiring of trained domestic workers from the Philippines to assist with childcare and housework in Seoul. This program was initially supported by former President Yoon Suk Yeol, but it has come under scrutiny since his successor, Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party, took office on June 4, 2025 (Korea Herald, Straits Times).
The Ministry of Employment and Labor had previously committed to transitioning the pilot program into a permanent system by mid-2025. However, Vice Labor Minister Kim Min-seok indicated that expanding beyond the pilot program would be challenging, stating it "won't be easy" to finalize the program within the month (Korea Herald). Concerns have been raised about the program's high service fees, which critics argue limit access to high-income households, and ongoing labor disputes, including reports of delayed wages and unclear job descriptions (Straits Times, Inquirer).
Analysis
The claim that South Korea's domestic worker program faces uncertainty after a political leadership change is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The transition from Yoon Suk Yeol to Lee Jae-myung has introduced skepticism regarding the program's future, particularly given the Democratic Party's historical criticisms of the initiative (Korea Herald, Straits Times).
The Ministry of Employment and Labor's failure to provide a clear path forward for the program, despite previous commitments, highlights the ongoing challenges and delays that have plagued the initiative. The acknowledgment by Vice Labor Minister Kim Min-seok that it will be difficult to expand the program beyond its pilot phase suggests a lack of political will or consensus to move forward (Korea Herald).
Moreover, the criticisms from labor groups regarding worker protections and the program's accessibility further underscore the precarious situation of the initiative. These groups have called for a thorough review of the program, indicating that there are significant unresolved issues that could affect its viability (Straits Times, Inquirer).
Conclusion
The claim that "South Korea's domestic worker program faces uncertainty after political leadership change" is True. The transition in government has led to a lack of clarity regarding the future of the program, with significant doubts expressed by the new administration and ongoing issues related to worker protections and program accessibility. The combination of political skepticism and unresolved labor disputes indicates that the program's future remains precarious.
