How much do you weigh? Korean companies will now be fined for asking personal questions unrelated to job function

Korea is progressing along with the rest of the world, affecting changes in their recruitment process. Now, if candidates are asked questions based on their gender, physical appearance, and marital status during the recruitment process, the employer will be imposed with a 5 million KRW (~$4400 USD) fine. 

On November 3, the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) revealed that they will be distributing a notice that aims to prevent discrimination in the workplace by discouraging corporations and franchises from asking questions unrelated to job function such as height, weight, and marital/pregnancy plans. 

SEE ALSO: Prosecutors again seek death penalty in appeal for Daejeon teacher convicted of killing first-grade student

The Director of Youth and Female Employment Policy of MOEL stated, "Last year, among the 8,500 recruitment notices we analyzed, over 7% of them were categorized as being discriminatory. It may just be guidelines, but those who don't adhere to it will be dealt with according to the law. They can be penalized with a fine up to 5 million KRW." 

MOEL also encouraged people to report cases of discrimination arising from the interview process at employment offices, as investigation into the case is possible without the exposing their identities.