Social Protection in the Developing World: The Development after Development

Social protection systems—encompassing social insurance, social assistance, and labor market programs—are essential for fostering inclusive development. In developing countries, where vulnerability to poverty, economic shocks, and inequality remains high, the need for robust social protection frameworks is urgent in developing countries. Recent reports by international organizations highlight the gaps in social protection worldwide and provide a blueprint for action. The International Labour Organization's (ILO) World Social Protection Report 2020-22 states that over 4 billion people (69.4%) in their working age, globally—predominantly in developing countries—lack any form of social protection. Social assistance programs often exist but are fragmented, underfunded, and inaccessible to those who need them most. Informal workers, who make up as high as 81% (India, 2020) or 74% (Rwanda, 2020) of the workforce in low- and middle-income countries, are particularly excluded from the social protection schemes.

Korea Institute for International Economic Policy

2025.05.15

White Paper on Human Rights in North Korea 2024

PartⅠ Purpose of Publication and Research Methodology 1 Purpose of Publication_36 2 Research Methodology_38 3 Perceptions of and Responses to Human Rights in North Korea_47 PartⅡ The Reality of Civil and Political Rights 1 Right to Life_68 2 Right Not to Be Tortured Receive Inhuman Treatment_89 3 Right to Liberty and Security of Person_123 4 Right to Freedom of Movement and Residence_138 5 Right to a Fair Trial_158 6 Right to Privacy_192 7 Right to Freedom of Thought, Conscience and Religion_207 8 Right to Freedom of Expression and Access to Information_225 9 Right to Freedom of Assembly and Association_263 10 Right to Political Participation_271 PartⅢ The Reality of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights 1 Right to Food_284 2 Right to Health_308 3 Right to Work_357 4 Right to Education_384 5 Right to Social Security_413 PartⅣ Vulnerable Groups 1 Women_434 2 Children_479 3 Persons with Disabilities_512 PartⅤ Major Issues 1 Political Prison Camps (Kwanliso)_550 2 Overseas Defectors_568 3 Overseas Workers_598 4 Separated Families, Abductees, Detainees, and Korean War POWs_629 5 Disasters_678 6 Discrimination and Inequality_706

Korea Institute for National Unification

2025.05.16

Economically Active Population Survey in April 2025

[Economically active population and labor force participation rate] ◦ The economically active population marked 29.741 million persons in April, which grew 163 thousand persons or 0.6% year-on-year. ◦ The labor force participation rate stood at 65.1% in April, up 0.1%p year-on-year [Employed persons and employment to population ratio] ◦ The number of employed persons totaled 28.887 million persons in April, which went up 194 thousand persons or 0.7% year-on-year. ◦ The employment to population ratio recorded 63.2% in April, up 0.2%p year-on-year

Statistics Korea

2025.05.14

BIO KOREA 2025 OPENS IN SEOUL

TheMinistry of Health and Welfare(MOHW, Minister Cho KyooHong) and the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI, President Cha SoonDo) announced that BIO KOREA 2025 will be held from Wednesday, May 7 through Friday, May 9, at Hall C of COEX in Seoul. Launched in 2006 with participation from 344 companies across 20 countries and approximately 15,000 visitors, BIO KOREA marks its20th editionthis year. The event hasmore than doubledin scale, with753 companies from 61 countries(as of April 30 pre-registration) and an expected attendance of 30,000. AsKorea’s flagship international biohealth convention, it hasplayed a pivotal role in elevating Korea’s presencein the global biohealth industry byshowcasing its technological capabilities and promoting international trade and collaboration.

Ministry of Health and Welfare

2025.05.07

Management Strategies for Private Childcare Services in Consideration of Unique Characteristics

◎ Despite the expansion of public childcare services, there remains a persistent demand for private childcare services, highlighting the need to examine the government’s approach to managing the private childcare services. ◎ Moreover, in the evolving policy landscape, where changes in the government’s management of social services are anticipated, it is crucial to explore practical strategies for regulating private childcare service providers and institutions.

Korean Women's Development Institute

2025.05.14

National Pension Monthly Statistics ('25.1.)

Table 1. Number of Insured Persons, by Year 1 Table 2. Number of Insured Persons, by Sex 2 Table 3. Number of Insured Persons, by Age 3 Table 4. Number of Beneficiaries 4 Table 5. Total Amounts of Monthly Benefits 4 Table 6. Maximum and Average Amounts of Monthly Benefits 4 Table 7. Operation of Pension Fund 5

National Pension Service

2025.01.31

The Shift Toward Experienced Hires : Implications for Youth Employment

Recently, an increasing number of companies have been favoring experienced hires over entry-level candidates, shifting from regular public recruitment to occasional hiring methods that benefit seasoned professionals. This trend appears to reflect two broader changes: a decline in lifetime employment practices and a growing demand from employers for applicants with advanced skills and capabilities.

Bank of Korea

2025.05.09

Economic Bulletin, May 2025

In February, industrial production, services production, retail sales, facilities investment, and construction investment all increased. In March, the growth in the number of employed persons continued to increase and consumer prices grew at a faster pace.

Ministry of Economy and Finance

2025.05.01

Good Legislative Practice: Strategies to Improve the Quality of Legislation in Asia

Laws shape the framework of society. They have deep influence in every walk of life life, from the protection of rights to economic growth. The well well-being of the people and the strength of democracy are governed by laws, and th erefore , a sound legislative proce ss and its practice are crucial for crafting better laws for society. This book is the result of joint research contributed by multiple legal scholars from the A sia Legal Information Network (ALIN). This research, in which ALIN member institutions have par ticipated, explorexplores the question of what constitutes good legislative practice by examining the lawmaking process and its components of 16 Asian countries countries.

Korea Legislation Research Institute

2024.12.31

Transforming The Future: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence in korea

This paper examines the transformative effects of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Korea. Korea is among the global frontrunners in AI adoption, with higher adoption rates among larger, younger, and technologically advanced firms. AI holds the promise for boosting productivity and output, though the effects are more pronounced among larger and mature Korean firms. About half of jobs are exposed to AI, with higher exposures among female, younger, more educated, and higher income workers. Korea's strong innovation and digital infrastructure highlights its AI readiness, while enhancing labor market flexibility and social safety nets are essential to fully harness AI's potential.

Bank of Korea

2025.02.01