Filipino Domestic Helpers in South Korea Are Facing Criticism for the ‘Gangnam Concentration’ Phenomenon

The South Korean Presidential Office and the ruling party have decided to explore a plan to apply differentiated minimum wages to reduce the employment costs of foreign domestic helpers. The criticism has been substantial that the pilot program for Filipino domestic helpers, starting on September 3, 2024, has become a privilege exclusively for ’Gangnam moms,‘ contrary to its original intent. In reality, with the monthly salary of Filipino domestic helpers exceeding 2.3 million won, it was found that 3 out of the 10 households selected for the program reside in the affluent Gangnam area.

Yoo Hye-mi, Senior Secretary for Low Birth Rate Response, said in a phone interview with DongA Ilbo, ”There are concerns that applying the minimum wage to Filipino domestic helpers increases the cost burden. We need to consider how to reduce these costs further. In cases where private contracts are used, such as in Hong Kong and Singapore, costs can be reduced to half or even one-third.“ The Presidential Office is considering various measures to lower the wages of foreign domestic helpers below the minimum wage (9,860 won per hour) to facilitate smoother in-home care.

© DongA Ilbo

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