A top South Korean government official Friday called for raising the country's mandated minimum wage.
"I agree on the need to boost the minimum wage on a gradual basis to an appropriate level," Deputy Prime Minister-Minister of Strategy and Finance Choi Kyung-hwan said, answering lawmakers' questions during a National Assembly audit of government offices.
The minister, however, raised concern that "forcing businesses to raise the minimum wage could create adverse effects such as less employment."
"There are concerns that unless higher levels are set in a concerted manner, it would increase the burden for businesses at one time," he said.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
