As China’s 996 culture spreads, South Korea’s tech sector grapples with 52-hour limit
As the world races to stay ahead in the deep tech revolution — from AI and semiconductors to quantum computing — innovation has become the new currency of power. For many companies, that pressure has translated into heavier workloads and more intense work cultures. Yet they face a real dilemma: they can’t simply ease up while competitors across the globe push harder to win. When I came across news about the intense “996” work culture — working 9 am to 9 pm, six days a week, a 72-hour work week — spreading from China to Silicon Valley, it made me wonder how different countries approach work hours and workplace cultures in the tech industry. I was especially curious about how things compare here in South Korea, where I’m currently based. In South Korea, the…
