The Korea Herald

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[Graphic News] Rising number of underpaid workers

By Korea Herald

Published : Aug. 16, 2016 - 18:15

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More than 3 million workers in South Korea are expected to receive less than the legal minimum wage next year, the central bank said Tuesday.

According to an analysis by the Bank of Korea, there were 2.5 million underpaid workers in 2015, accounting for 13.3 percent of the total workforce. This is likely to rise to 2.8 million this year, making up 14.6 percent of the workforce.

In 2017, the proportion is expected to go up to 16.3 percent, BOK officials said. By industry, the agriculture, forestry and fishery sector had the most underpaid laborers.

This year’s minimum hourly wage is 6,030 won ($5.51). The nation will increase the wage by 7.3 percent to reach 6,470 won next year.