As China’s 996 culture spreads, South Korea’s tech sector grapples with 52-hour limit

As the global race for technological supremacy intensifies—encompassing sectors like artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and quantum computing—companies are feeling the heat to innovate continually. This mounting pressure often translates into longer hours and a more demanding work culture. However, companies are caught in a dilemma: easing workloads might put them at a disadvantage against competitors who are ramping up their efforts. The emergence of China's notorious '996' work culture, which mandates working from 9 AM to 9 PM six days a week, has raised questions about how different countries, particularly South Korea, manage work hours in the tech sector. Currently, South Korea has a standard 40-hour workweek, with allowances for up to 12 hours of paid overtime, typically compensated at 1.5 times the regular wage. Employers who breach these guidelines face fines, civil liability, and even the possibility of imprisonment. In 2018, South Korea implemented a 52-hour workweek rule for larger companies and public institutions, which will apply to all businesses starting from January 1, 2025. Recently, a special program was introduced, allowing employees to exceed the 52-hour limit—up to 64 hours—with government approval and consent from workers. However, many companies have reportedly not utilized this option. As South Korean tech leaders grapple with these regulations, experts like Yongkwan Lee, CEO of Bluepoint Partners, express concerns about how the 52-hour limit impacts investment decisions in deep tech sectors. Lee emphasized that in competitive fields like AI and semiconductors, labor challenges are increasingly complex, and strict work hour limits could slow down business progress. Interestingly, a survey revealed that 70.4% of startup employees in South Korea would be open to working an additional 52 hours weekly if compensated adequately. Bohyung Kim, CTO of LeMong, a startup offering AI solutions, argued that the current workweek system feels restrictive rather than protective. He highlighted that true innovation often transcends fixed schedules, as breakthroughs can occur at any moment. Flexibility in work hours is a topic of discussion among tech founders. Huiyong Lee from LeMong suggested that a monthly average of hours worked could be a more practical approach than adhering strictly to the 52-hour limit. He observed that intense work phases often precede product launches, and a flexible system could better accommodate these variations. While some investors downplay the impact of the 52-hour workweek on their decision-making, they acknowledge that the challenge lies more heavily in labor-intensive sectors, such as logistics and manufacturing, where strict regulations can significantly elevate operational costs. In the international context, South Korea's 52-hour limit is relatively moderate. Countries like Germany and the UK range from 33 to 48 hours, while the U.S. maintains a 40-hour standard with no total hour limits. Comparatively, China's workweek aligns with South Korea's at 40 hours, but their overtime pay structure is more aggressive. As South Korea's deep tech companies navigate these regulations, the overarching question remains: can rigid hour limits support the dynamic workflows essential for innovation?