[Photo] Supreme Court raises maximum age for physical labor from 60 to 65

The South Korean Supreme Court has officially raised the maximum age for physical labor from 60 to 65, citing medical and social advances leading to increased average lifespan. Data shows that the average lifespan for South Koreans in 2017 was 79.7 for men and 85.7 for women, while 61.5% of people aged 60 to 64 remained economically active.

On Feb. 21, the Supreme Court reversed a decision regarding the death of a four-year-old in a swimming pool in Incheon which limited the period of compensation to the family to the day the child would turn 60. Since the maximum age for physical labor has been elevated to 65, the case was sent to the Seoul High Court for additional review. The decision is expected to impact many areas, such as the official retirement age or the issue of compensation for fatal or injurious accidents.