The Ministry of Employment and Labor in South Korea has granted Samsung Electronics' Semiconductor System Division approval to implement a specialized working hours system. This system permits R&D personnel to work up to 64 hours per week (12.8 hours daily) for the initial three months, followed by an adjustment to 60 hours weekly. The objective of this measure is to bolster the international competitiveness of South Korea's semiconductor industry. However, it has sparked concerns among labor groups regarding potential overwork issues. To accommodate this, South Korea has amended the Labor Standards Act, enabling high-tech companies certified as "semiconductor R&D enterprises" to apply for extended overtime limits.
