the new policy allows individuals who leave their jobs due to crime-related trauma to qualify for unemployment support, even if they resigned voluntarily. (Image created by AI/ChatGPT)
SEOUL, April 17 (Korea Bizwire) — In a move to strengthen protections for crime victims, South Korea’s Supreme Prosecutors’ Office and the Ministry of Employment and Labor have jointly revised internal guidelines to make it easier for affected workers to receive unemployment benefits.
Announced on April 16, the new policy allows individuals who leave their jobs due to crime-related trauma to qualify for unemployment support, even if they resigned voluntarily.
The Labor Ministry clarified that such cases will now be recognized as having a “justifiable reason for resignation,” provided there is a clear link between the criminal incident and the decision to quit.
Examples include situations where the crime occurred at the workplace or where a victim’s location was disclosed to the perpetrator, making continued employment unsafe.
Under the updated procedures, prosecutors and police will now directly provide relevant investigation documents to job centers on behalf of victims, eliminating the need for victims to appear in person.
Earlier this month, prosecutors also introduced a system allowing crime victims to receive real-time updates on the progress of their criminal cases via text message.
In addition, prosecutors have been instructed to expand victims’ access to case records, assist with medical expenses, and offer legal support such as applying for asset freezes on perpetrators.
“These reforms are part of a broader effort to protect and empower victims of crime,” said an official from the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office. “We will continue refining our systems to ensure seamless and comprehensive support for victims.”
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
