The figures highlight a growing divergence in membership trends between the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU).
The report revealed that FKTU membership grew by 38,000 over the past year, reaching 1.16 million, solidifying its position as the country’s largest labor group. Meanwhile, KCTU, known for its more confrontational stance, saw a decline of 13,000 members, bringing its total to 1.087 million. Independent unions, which operate outside the two umbrella organizations, also experienced a slight decrease, with membership falling by 2,800 to 479,758.
Experts attribute the contrasting trends to the unions' differing strategies and public perceptions. The FKTU, which often favors conciliatory approaches in negotiations with management and the government, appears to have gained traction among workers seeking pragmatic solutions.
In contrast, the KCTU’s more militant and politically active stance has faced scrutiny amid shifting economic and social conditions.
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