Major Corporations and Government Join Forces for the First Time in 15 Years... Supporting the Recruitment of 1,500 Young People

The employment authorities and major corporations have come together to address youth employment. Leading companies are creating a total of approximately 1,500 jobs through their partner firms, while the government is linking its youth employment policies to these efforts.
On the 21st, the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) hosted the 2025 Growing Together Job Fair at the COEX Magok Convention Center in collaboration with The Federation of Korean Industries (FKI). Thirteen major corporations—including Samsung, SK Group, Hyundai Motor, LG Group, Lotte Corporation, POSCO, Hanwha Group, HD Hyundai, GS Group, CJ Group, LS Group, Hyosung Group, and Poongsan Corporation—participated, along with more than 500 partner companies.
This is the first joint job fair involving major groups since 2010. In November 2010, the government held a job fair for partner companies in collaboration with 12 conglomerates and 293 partner firms to promote mutual growth.
This year's job fair features an even greater number of participating companies and available positions.
Following President Lee Jae Myung’s recent remarks on the need for corporate engagement in solving youth employment issues, eight major corporations—including Samsung, SK Group, Hyundai Motor, LG Group, POSCO, Hanwha Group, Lotte Corporation, and HD Hyundai—announced their recruitment plans. At this event, their partner companies are actively hiring young people, with around 1,500 positions available.
MOEL explained, “This job fair, which includes many companies in advanced manufacturing, smart mobility, aerospace, advanced defense, national infrastructure, and global consumer goods—sectors that attract significant interest from young job seekers—has expanded the foundation for job creation to include partner companies.”
For next year, MOEL has allocated a youth employment budget of 2.4 trillion won (including the National Employment Support System, NESS) and will operate a promotional booth for youth employment policies at the event.
Through these initiatives, the government will support work experience, vocational training, and the Youth Job Jump-Up Incentive Program.
MOEL plans to increase the budget for the Youth Job Jump-Up Incentive Program, which is provided to young people hired by youth-friendly and vacancy-filling companies, from 777.2 billion won this year to 908 billion won next year.
The payment structure will also be revised to give preference to companies and young people outside the capital region.
Additionally, the Job Search Promotion Allowance—which is received by 75% of young people—will be raised from the current 500,000 won per month to 600,000 won next year. The government will also continue to provide tailored employment infrastructure and policy support for various groups, including students, graduates, high school students, young people who are not currently working, and those who have given up on job searching.
Kim Young-hoon, Minister of Employment and Labor, stated, “Despite their relentless efforts amid fierce competition, young people struggle even to get interview opportunities in a market focused on experienced hires. It is the responsibility of the older generation to expand job opportunities where young people can grow with respect.” He added, “The government and corporations will work as one team to actively support our youth in gaining experience and pursuing their dreams.”

jhyuk@fnnews.com Kim Jun-hyuk Reporter