Seoul Labor Case Highlights Strict Dismissal Procedures Under Labor Standards Act

A case concerning dismissal rules under the Labor Standards Act occurred in Seoul on October 1, 2026. The Labor Standards Act prohibits employers at workplaces with five or more regular employees from dismissing workers without justifiable cause, and requires written notification of the dismissal grounds and effective date. In a specific instance, an English-language institute in Mokdong, Seoul, was involved in a dispute over whether it provided written notice to foreign national instructors, despite claiming it sent notice via mail and text message.

The ruling reinforces that having a justifiable reason for dismissal is insufficient if required procedures are not followed. This legal standard increases the compliance burden on employers in South Korea, particularly regarding notice periods and documentation.