President Lee Criticizes Samsung Union Strike, Emphasizes Respect for Corporate Rights

President Lee Jae-myung emphasized on May 18 that both labor rights and corporate management rights must be respected in the ongoing negotiations between Samsung Electronics and its labor union.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), President Lee stated, "In South Korea, which adopts a free democratic order and a capitalist market economy, labor must be respected just as much as corporations."

He added, "Workers should receive fair compensation for their labor, and shareholders who bear risks and losses should have a share in corporate profits," noting that the original constitutional provision for workers' equitable share of corporate profits was once included in the 1948 Constitution.

The equitable share of corporate profits refers to the right of workers to receive a portion of a company's profits. This right was enshrined in the 1948 Constitution to protect workers' fundamental rights but was removed during the 1962 constitutional revision due to practical difficulties in its application.

President Lee further criticized, "While the current constitution guarantees the basic rights of all citizens, these rights can be limited for public welfare as long as the essence is not violated. Just as there are peaks in mountains, there are also deep valleys. Excessive actions can lead to adverse outcomes."

He concluded, "It is not about having more and being happier because one is strong; rather, a new future for South Korea lies in solidarity, responsibility, and a world where everyone thrives together."