Labor unrest is rising inside South Korea’s tech sector. The Kakao union strike escalates tensions with management as workers prepare for a full-day walkout on June 25. Earlier actions included a two-hour strike and a rally in solidarity with Naver’s union. Kakao’s Crew Union demands better job protections and fairer compensation from company executives. However, talks have collapsed, deepening the standoff.
The conflict began with a shift in Kakao’s business direction. Management started restructuring its portfolio, sparking concerns about key asset sales. Rumors about divesting Kakao Mobility and Daum intensified union fears. Workers say private equity ownership of sensitive platforms threatens public interest. They have called for stronger regulations to prevent such transfers.
Union leaders also criticized the company’s wage proposals. They claim management offered substandard compensation despite solid business results. The union stated that loyal workers built Kakao Mobility’s success through years of effort. It also accused executives of ignoring labor contributions and acting unilaterally. Consequently, the Kakao union strike escalates tensions with management, pushing the labor dispute further.
At Naver, employees face a separate but equally charged issue. Their union remains locked in protest over Choi In-hyuk’s controversial return. Choi resigned after a workplace bullying scandal that allegedly led to an employee’s suicide. Despite that, Naver reinstated him as head of its tech division. Over 98 percent of union members opposed his return in a recent vote.
Union leaders argue that Choi ignored repeated complaints about the toxic workplace. They believe his appointment undermines efforts to improve corporate culture. Naver employees plan another major rally on July 2. They have demanded transparency, accountability, and a reversal of Choi’s reinstatement. Like at Kakao, worker frustration is mounting rapidly.
Experts say these movements show how grievances have accumulated over time. Professor Lee Byoung-hoon explains that workplace conditions in tech often clash with public perceptions. Beneath sleek images lie rigid hierarchies, long hours, and limited recognition. Unless companies actively engage unions, dissatisfaction will continue. The Kakao union strike escalates tensions with management and reflects deeper unrest across the industry.
