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The Democratic Party’s Choi Dae-ho, a candidate for mayor of Anyang in Gyeonggi Province, vowed on May 1 that he would “work tirelessly to make Anyang a city that respects labor.”
On the 136th International Workers’ Day, Choi presented respect for labor and the creation of safer working conditions as his core pledges.
In a statement, he said, “South Korea’s economy rests on the dedication and sweat of its workers,” and he pledged to ensure that workers receive fair treatment and can work in safe environments.
He emphasized that this year marks the first since the name was changed back from “Working People’s Day” to “Workers’ Day,” and added, “I will build an Anyang where the value of labor is fully respected.”
He described workers as “essential members who sustain society and families,” and reiterated the need to prevent industrial accidents and establish safe workplaces.
Choi also said that, even as industry shifts with the spread of artificial intelligence (AI), the dignity of labor must endure, and he committed to preserving workers’ value amid those changes.
Internationally, May 1 became established as Workers’ Day following the 1886 general strike by U.S. workers.
In Korea, the day was long referred to as “Working People’s Day,” but growing public emphasis on workers’ rights and agency—along with efforts to align terminology with international practice—has led to wider use of the term “Workers’ Day.”
However, the legal designation still remains “Working People’s Day,” and “Workers’ Day” is used in parallel by labor groups and some social sectors.
Meanwhile, Choi Dae-ho urged workers to take a well-earned rest on Workers’ Day, saying, “Please put aside your toil today and enjoy a peaceful break,” and offered a message of thanks to workers.
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