South Korea’s 3 Disability Product Bills Stall in Assembly as Private Employers Expand 34 Jobs
Updated
Updated · en.sedaily.com · Jun 28
South Korea’s 3 Disability Product Bills Stall in Assembly as Private Employers Expand 34 Jobs
1 articles · Updated · en.sedaily.com · Jun 28
Summary
Three amendments to South Korea’s Severely Disabled Products Act remain pending in the 22nd National Assembly, despite bipartisan proposals to boost sales and awareness of goods made by severely disabled workers.
The bills would set public institutions’ purchase target at 2% or more, create a Sept. 9 preferential-purchase day and week, and require separate ordering when construction work accompanies such product supply.
That legislative drift contrasts with private-sector efforts such as The Sarang in Seoul, a disability-standard workplace that has grown to 34 staff this month from 14 in 2019.
Kim & Chang, which holds a 100% stake in The Sarang, backs a four-hour two-shift model pairing developmentally disabled and senior workers and says stable jobs are central to independent living.
The report argues that without stronger state support, especially for workers in their 40s and older, employment-based independence for developmentally disabled people will remain fragile.
Beyond a job, how can society bridge the digital skills gap for disabled individuals?
When corporations create inclusive jobs, does it excuse government inaction on disability rights?
South Korea’s Disability Employment Rate at 3.27% in 2025: Private Sector Progress, Legislative Gaps, and the Path to Inclusive Work
Overview
As of June 2026, South Korea’s disability employment landscape shows a clear gap: while private sector initiatives to foster inclusion are growing, comprehensive government action is lagging. This creates a situation where private efforts, though commendable, often lack the support of robust, government-wide measures needed for long-term stability. Advocates and private sector leaders, like the CEO of The Sarang, are calling for stronger government involvement, especially to support middle-aged and older developmentally disabled people whose work capacity may decline. Without active government development of alternatives, true independence and stable employment for people with disabilities remain uncertain.