Approximately 88% of South Koreans support extending the statutory retirement age from 60 to 65 years, according to a recent public opinion poll [1], [2].
The proposal aims to align the legal retirement age with the maximum pension eligibility age of 65 [1], [2]. This alignment is intended to reduce the income gap that occurs when workers are forced to retire before they can access their full pension benefits.
The survey was conducted by the Korean Federation of Trade Unions among 1,000 adults [1]. The results indicate that 88.3% of respondents favor the five-year extension [1]. This suggests that roughly nine out of 10 South Koreans support the change [2].
Reporter Yeom Hye-won of YTN News said, "Public opinion is leaning toward overwhelming approval for the plan to delay the statutory retirement age by five years" [1]. Yeom said the poll conducted by the Korean Federation of Trade Unions showed 88.3% of the 1,000 adults surveyed responded in favor [1].
Lawmakers are currently reviewing the proposal. A legislative deadline is expected by the end of June 2026 [3]. The move comes as the nation grapples with an aging population and the economic pressure of maintaining a workforce that can support the social security system.
While the poll shows strong public support, the transition may require coordination between labor unions, and corporate employers to manage wage structures. The current legal limit remains 60 years [1].
“88.3% of respondents responded in favor”
The strong public mandate for raising the retirement age reflects South Korea's urgent need to address a shrinking workforce and a growing elderly population. By syncing the retirement age with pension eligibility, the government can mitigate poverty among the elderly and reduce the immediate financial burden on the state's social safety net.
