LAW & POLICY
Trends
Individuals with disabilities rated grades 1 or 2 for veterans' benefits may choose disability activity support instead of nursing allowance (effective September 1).
From September 1st, veterans with disabilities (grades 1-2) under 65 who are recognized by the national veterans affairs administration can choose one of the following services: nursing allowance or disability activity support. We have also summarized changes to veterans' healthcare and welfare systems this year (including tax credits for disability compensation, expanded support for dementia treatment, and planned designation of quasi-veteran hospitals).
Proposal to introduce a 10-point penalty for seatbelt, turn signal, and helmet violations (intensive enforcement from October to December)
The announcement for the revision of the Road Traffic Act Enforcement Ordinance, which will impose a 10-point penalty for seatbelt non-use, failure to use a turn signal, and failure to wear a helmet – previously only subject to fines – will conclude on September 14th. Intensive police enforcement is also planned from October until the end of the year, so this is information drivers who frequently drive should be aware of.
Amendment of the Personal Information Protection Act Takes Effect (Including Fine Standards and the Information and Communications Network Act)
The revised Personal Information Protection Act, implemented on September 11th, clarifies the criteria for sales-based fines, and in October, the revised Information and Communications Network Act expands the scope of fines for violations related to the transmission of promotional information. Here’s a summary of changes in the personal information sector that small business owners should be aware of.
Wage and severance pay arrears penalties strengthened, E-9 employment permit, automobile management law stage 2
Penalties for unpaid retirement benefits and wages are increasing to imprisonment for up to 5 years and a fine of 50 million won, and applications for the fourth round of E-9 employment permits are underway. Recent changes in the labor and automotive sectors have been summarized, including the second phase of the Automobile Management Act, which is scheduled to take effect in December.
Prosecutorial reform, government organization changes, and a comprehensive revision of the Cooperative Basic Act
On October 2nd, the prosecutors' office was reorganized into the Public Prosecution Service and the Serious Crime Investigation Agency, and the Ministry of Economy and Finance was divided into the Ministry of Finance and the Planning and Budgeting Agency. This summarizes significant changes affecting administrative practice, including a complete revision of the Cooperative Basic Law introducing a deemed establishment system.
Easing of Requirements and Extension of Recommendation Letter Deadline for Specialized Regional Visas (E-7-4R and F-2-R)
The application deadline for local specialization visas (E-7-4R·F-2-R) local government recommendation letters has been extended to the end of December, and the Korean language requirement has been eased. This summarizes recent changes in immigration and foreign workforce areas, including changes to the number of seasonal worker farm applications in 2027.