South Korea Flags 33 Billion Won in Illegal Jobless Claims, Orders 62.7 Billion Won Returned
Updated
Updated · 매일경제 · Jun 22
South Korea Flags 33 Billion Won in Illegal Jobless Claims, Orders 62.7 Billion Won Returned
1 articles · Updated · 매일경제 · Jun 22
Summary
33 billion won in illegal unemployment-benefit claims was detected in 2025, the first time the total topped that level, while the government ordered 62.7 billion won returned.
Fraud cases included recipients hiding new jobs or self-employment, lying about separation reasons or wages, and forging job-search documents; one claimant was caught after submitting a fake interview confirmation.
2,107 repeat offenders were caught receiving benefits illegally at least twice from 2021 through 2025, involving 5.645 billion won; the largest single case last year reached 27.72 million won.
12,658 foreign workers received unemployment benefits more than once last year, with Chinese Koreans and Chinese nationals accounting for 9,843 cases, or 77.7%, amid looser job-mobility rules than employment-permit workers.
The findings add pressure on Seoul to tighten benefit controls through data-sharing with agencies such as the tax service and justice ministry and to impose tougher penalties on fraudulent recipients.