Significant Changes To Korea's Union Act Expected Imminently

Korea's so-called 'Yellow Envelope Act' is expected to be enacted imminently. It is set to introduce significant changes to trade union legislation in Korea. We take a look at the key provisions and what these mean for employers.

The Yellow Envelope Act passed through the Legislation and Judiciary Committee of the Korean National Assembly on 1 August 2025 and appears headed towards final passage this month. Further material changes to the legislation are unlikely, and the president has expressed his intention to sign the bill into law. This version of the bill is not identical to the version vetoed by former-president Yoon last year, but is very similar in its scope and approach.