A recent survey highlights workplace harassment as a persistent problem in South Korea, with nearly three in ten employees taking no action after experiencing or witnessing it. The findings underscore the fear and uncertainty many workers face in reporting incidents.
The 2024 Labor Ministry survey, submitted to Rep. Kim Wi-sang of the People Power Party, involved 1,000 respondents. It found that 28.8 percent experienced or witnessed workplace harassment in the past year. The study revealed particularly high rates among workers in their 30s, with 16.9 percent of men and 24.1 percent of women reporting incidents.
Assistant managers reported the highest exposure, with 21.1 percent experiencing harassment and 36.1 percent witnessing it. Staff-level employees and managers followed. Immediate supervisors were identified as the main perpetrators by 54.5 percent of respondents, while colleagues accounted for 38.2 percent.
When addressing harassment, 45.5 percent of workers consulted colleagues. However, 31.3 percent took no action, citing fear of retaliation and doubts about effective punishment. Additionally, 17 percent of respondents resigned as a response to harassment.
The Labor Standards Act included a workplace harassment clause in 2019, but 37.8 percent of survey participants felt little had changed. Experts note that unclear definitions of acceptable work scope complicate responses. Employers and employees often interpret harassment standards differently, making proactive action difficult.
Awareness of government support programs remains limited. Thirty percent of respondents said they were unaware of training and prevention programs from the Korea Employment and Labor Education Institute. The ministry operates a hotline at 1350 for Korean and foreign workers seeking assistance in English and Chinese.
Public focus on workplace harassment rose after former MBC weathercaster Oh Yoanna cited colleague harassment before her suicide. The case has driven debate about the need for stronger protections and enforcement mechanisms.
Moving forward, the Labor Ministry aims to expand educational programs and clarify legal standards. Employers are encouraged to implement comprehensive anti-harassment policies, while employees are urged to report incidents promptly. Experts warn that addressing workplace harassment is essential for improving work culture, reducing turnover, and fostering safer environments across industries.
The survey confirms that workplace harassment remains a pressing social and labor issue, requiring immediate attention from policymakers, employers, and employees alike.
