South Korean bakery worker death rekindles debate on overtime

Service industries thrive in wealthy, speedy society, but at a human cost

20251120 Delivery Job in Korea

Delivery workers are seen in Seoul on Nov. 19. Demanding labor conditions in South Korean service industries are raising concerns about excessive toil. (Photo by Ahn Seong-bok)

KIM JAEWON

SEOUL -- The death of a 26-year-old man who was employed at a popular bakery-and-cafe chain has reignited debate over South Korea's deep-rooted culture of overtime work, as grueling schedules expose the limits of the country's 52-hour workweek cap to protect service-sector employees.

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