At the economy-related ministers' meeting on Monday... Finance Minister Kim Dong-yeon said the recent sluggish job data is not a result of the minimum wage hike.<br /> The minimum wage was raised by more than 16 percent early this year-- the biggest annual increase in 17 years.<br />Minister Kim said.... the slower job growth in February and March.... was a result of ongoing corporate reform in the shipbuilding and automobile sectors,... and a base effect from last year's job data. <br /> To lower the country's high youth unemployment,.... Minister Kim called for the National Assembly to quickly approve the proposed extra budget bill... focused on lowering the country's high youth unemployment rate. <br />
