내년도 최저임금, 1.5% 오른 8천720원…역대 최저 인상률<br /><br />We start with news of a modest increase to South Korea's minimum wage.<br />On Monday, the commission in charge of the matter announced the smallest rise for the second straight year.<br />The decision was made in light of the economic difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.<br />Kim Dami has the details.<br />South Korea's minimum hourly wage for 2021 has been set at 8-thousand 720 won, which is around seven U.S. dollars and 25 cents.<br />That's the smallest-ever on-year increase in South Korea's history.<br />Just one-point-five percent.<br />Monday's decision came during the ninth plenary meeting of the Minimum Wage Commission, which consists of nine members each from three sides representing employers, employees and those representing social interests.<br />The increase is the smallest since the minimum wage was first introduced in South Korea in 1988.<br />The minimum wage last year also rose by a record low of two-point-nine percent.<br />The low rise is largely due to the economic fallout and uncertainties triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.<br />The decision also considered local SMEs and small business owners hit hard by the crisis.<br />This year's negotiations were especially grueling because there was a huge gap in the proposals put forward by employees and employers.<br />Employees wanted a 16-point-four percent increase to 10-thousand won, while employers sought a two-point-one percent cut to 8-thousand 410 won.<br />The commission will present the new minimum wage to the labor minister, and the minister must make an official announcement by August 5th.<br />If approved, the new minimum wage will take effect on January 1st, 2021.<br />However, the minister can ask the commission to reconsider, but that situation has never happened before.<br />Kim Dami, Arirang News.<br />
