As the extended holiday in early May approaches, attention is focused on whether May 2 will be designated as a temporary holiday. Recently, posts asking if May 2 has the possibility of being designated as a temporary holiday have been appearing on anonymous online communities for workers, such as Blind.
This year’s early May holiday period starts with Labor Day on the 1st, followed by a weekend on the 3rd and 4th, Children’s Day and Buddha’s Birthday on the 5th, and a substitute holiday on the 6th. If Friday, the 2nd, is designated as a temporary holiday, it could result in an extended six-day holiday period.
The government has yet to make an official decision regarding the designation of a temporary holiday. With the early presidential election day on June 3 already designated as a temporary holiday, there are analyses suggesting the government may feel pressured to continue designating holidays. Previously, the government denied rumors about the designation of May 2 as a temporary holiday.
However, there are still voices among netizens suggesting that the day might be designated as a temporary holiday. Citing the government’s decision earlier this year, when it designated January 27 as a temporary holiday two weeks before the Lunar New Year holiday, some argue that the same could happen this time. On the other hand, there are opinions expressing concerns about potential disruptions to work schedules, the complications for workplaces that need to find coverage on short notice, and criticisms that it might be an attempt to garner votes in the election.
A temporary holiday is designated by the government as needed under Presidential Decree No. 24828, which governs public holidays. Decisions are made through the review and resolution of a Cabinet Meeting. According to the Labor Standards Act, since January 2022, businesses with five or more employees must grant paid leave for temporary holidays, and those who work that day can take substitute leave on a weekday.