On September 27, 2026, South Korean media outlet Hankook Ilbo reported that the number of foreign workers in South Korea who repeatedly resign and are re-employed at the same workplace to receive unemployment benefits (unemployment allowances) multiple times is increasing.

According to the article, the number of foreigners who received job-seeking benefits three or more times at the same workplace increased from 45 in 2021 to 62 in 2025. This year, 46 individuals have been confirmed by July. The highest number of times was 14, with a total amount received of 45 million won (approximately 5.2 million yen). In addition, cases of receiving 42 million won (approximately 4.8 million yen) for 13 times and 45 million won (approximately 5.2 million yen) for 12 times were also confirmed.

Regarding this situation, the article reported that "if individuals are repeatedly resigning and being re-employed for short periods at the same workplace and using unemployment benefits as a means to supplement their salary, there are criticisms that this deviates from the original purpose of the system."

Meanwhile, the South Korean Ministry of Employment and Labor explained that the proportion of repeat recipients among all foreign unemployment benefit recipients was 1.9% as of 2025, which is lower than the 6.6% for South Koreans.

The article introduced the view of an expert who said, "It is possible that workers and employers repeatedly enter into short-term contracts by mutual agreement, using unemployment benefits to maintain salaries while suppressing the employer's severance pay burden," and then reported that "it is necessary to investigate the misuse of unemployment benefits."

Regarding this, South Korean netizens voiced opinions such as: "14 times is too many," "I feel like this is certainly different from what the system intended," "It's too far from the original purpose," "The system should be changed to better support workers' livelihoods," and "A thorough investigation should be conducted on foreign recipients."

On the other hand, comments such as: "We shouldn't reduce welfare by citing such extreme examples," "It's not good, but in terms of illegal receipt, Koreans are probably doing it more," "Foreign workers couldn't do something like this alone," "Since both sides must have been aware, I want an investigation not just into individuals but also into the company's handling," and "If an investigation is to be conducted, it shouldn't end with 'foreigners are bad,' but the overall picture should be properly grasped," were also seen. (Translation/Editing: Higuchi)