Survey shows strong public backing for employee presumption law for freelancers
A recent poll found that about four-fifths of workers support a proposal that would presume freelancers and platform workers are employees, shifting proof to employers.
A nationwide survey conducted from June 1 to 7 by Workplace Gapjil 119 asked 1,000 employed adults about a proposed employee presumption system for freelancers and platform workers. Seventy-nine percent of respondents backed the measure, and approval was nearly identical among regular (78.8%) and irregular (79.3%) workers. Among those in favor, 78.5% said the presumption should start when a case is first filed with a labor office or commission, rather than waiting for a court decision.
The draft law would shift the burden of proof to companies to demonstrate that a worker is not an employee, easing access to labor protections. The ruling Democratic Party of Korea and the government plan to enact the bill before the end of the year, though critics, including opposition lawmaker Na Kyung-won, argue it may lead to job losses and added legal strain for firms.
Why it matters
The proposal could reshape labor rights for gig and freelance workers while affecting employer responsibilities.
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