South Korea's average annual working hours decreased by 32 hours in 2025 to 1,833 hours, marking a continued decline since the implementation of the 52-hour workweek system in 2018. Despite this reduction, South Korean workers still logged 97 hours more annually than the OECD average of 1,736 hours. The country ranks sixth among 36 OECD members in terms of working hours, with Mexico leading at 2,205 hours. The report highlights ongoing efforts by the South Korean government to curb excessive work hours, though significant disparities persist compared to other developed nations.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual data on working hours without overtly criticizing or praising the government's policies. It reports on trends and rankings without taking a clear ideological stance, maintaining a balanced tone throughout. While it acknowledges the government's efforts, it does not frame
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