South Korea has decreased the number of hours that employees are legally allowed to work, from 68 to 52 hours per week. According to Goldman Sachs Group Inc., this new legal expectation may decrease economic growth by 0.3 percent in 2020. Many are concerned that the country will have a difficult time making up for lost productivity. The new legislation was an important part of President Moon Jaein’s plan, despite the negative impact that it may have on the economy.
See "South Korea's Limit on Work Hours Could Trim Economic Growth, Goldman Says", Jiyeun Lee, Bloomberg LP, June 28, 2019