“Asia’s First Corporate Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence Bill Reintroduced in South Korea” 13 June 2025

On 13 June 2025, Rep. Jung Tae-ho (Democratic Party, Gwanak-eul, Seoul) has reintroduced the “Legislative Bill for the Act on the Protection of Human Rights and the Environment for Sustainable Business Management” (abbreviated as the "Corporate Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence Act") to the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea. In a joint press conference with the Korean Transnational Corporations Watch (KTNC Watch), the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), and the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU), Rep. Jung outlined the bill’s purpose and key provisions, urging swift passage through the National Assembly.

This bill, first introduced during the 21st term of the National Assembly in September 2023, has been revised and reintroduced after undergoing review by the Ministry of Government Legislation. It establishes mandatory corporate due diligence to proactively identify and address potential human rights and environmental abuses across global supply chains.

This reintroduction is especially notable as the first legislative initiative focusing on human rights and the environment under the newly inaugurated government, which has emphasized the restoration of democracy and human rights after the recent presidential impeachment. It signals South Korea’s emergence as a regional leader in responsible business conduct.

The bill is the first of its kind in Korea to establish mandatory corporate human rights and environmental due diligence, applicable to companies with over 500 employees or annual revenue exceeding KRW 200 billion (approx. USD 150 million). Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are excluded from its scope.