South Korea
From 20 August 2026, eligible employees can take one or two weeks’ short-term parental leave where childcare is unavailable, with requests generally protected from refusal.
South Korea's new short-term parental leave took effect on 20 August 2026, and new proposed reforms cover enhanced fertility treatment leave, the expanded scope of workplace sexual harassment provisions, an exception to rest break requirements, the right to take annual paid leave in hourly units and a new employment equality wage disclosure system.
The global temporary (agency) workers comparative table has been expanded to include China as a new jurisdiction.
Further details on salary transparency report requirements in Brazil have been added. For the second semester of 2026, companies must publish their report by 30 September 2026.
From 1 August 2026, a new minimum wage rate applies in Argentina. Additional information has been added on minimum wage rules in Belgium, Germany, the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates.
Additional information has been added for Greece, Hungary and India.
The table on paternity and parental leave and pay has been divided into two tables. This table focuses on the statutory right to parental leave and pay and highlights key changes to rules in Australia and France. A separate table on paternity leave and pay has been created. A new table on paternity leave and pay has been created.
The table on paternity and parental leave and pay has been divided into two tables. This table focuses on the statutory right to paternity leave after the birth of a child. A separate table on parental leave and pay focusing on family-based parental leave entitlements has been created.
Statutory retirement and re-employment ages increased in Singapore from 1 July 2026, raising the retirement age to 64 and the re-employment age to 69.
South Korea’s Supreme Court has ruled on what constitutes “wages”. Profit-sharing incentive linked to Economic Value Added does not constitute wages, while a productivity incentive linked to employees’ work performance does.
HR practices and employment law in South Korea.