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President Lee Jae-myung (center) joins hands with Kim Dong-myung (left), head of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions, and Yang Kyung-soo, head of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, during a luncheon at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul, on September 4. / Source: Yonhap News

President Lee Jae-myung met with the heads of Korea’s two largest labor federations on September 4, stressing that respect for labor and a business-friendly environment are not contradictory but must coexist.

During a luncheon at the presidential office in Yongsan with Kim Dong-myung, head of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU), and Yang Kyung-soo, head of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), Lee underscored his neutral stance.

“Business leaders say I’m too pro-labor, and workers say I’m too pro-business,” Lee said. “Where would my side be? I have to make sure that everyone succeeds.”

It was the first time Lee had met with both labor leaders since taking office. He emphasized that issues such as unpaid wages, industrial accidents, and basic rights of workers should not be framed as “pro-labor” or “pro-business,” but as matters of fundamental human rights and fairness.

Lee also urged the unions to actively participate in the Economic, Social and Labor Council, the presidential tripartite dialogue body, noting the KCTU’s recent decision to join a parliamentary-led social dialogue platform. “Even if no conclusion is reached, it’s good to fight. But first, you need to meet to fight or talk,” he said.

On the controversial “Yellow Envelope Law,” which cleared the Cabinet on September 2, Lee dismissed concerns from business groups. “They worry it tilts too much against employers, but from my view, that’s not the case. It merely codifies what courts have already recognized. I explain this again and again, but people don’t believe it,” he said.

Addressing the broader challenge of labor rigidity, Lee pointed out that companies often avoid hiring regular workers because they fear being locked into permanent obligations, opting instead for non-regular or outsourced positions. He added that the government must remain neutral and avoid giving either side the impression it is being used or deceived.

The luncheon featured bibimbap, a dish symbolizing harmony.