A new report released Tuesday by the National Pension Research Institute calls for extending employer-like responsibilities to digital platforms, arguing that most platform workers operate under economically dependent conditions despite being legally classified as independent contractors.

South Korea is weighing a significant pension reform that could bring platform workers .( Image courtesy of Yonhap)

Based on a survey of 1,250 platform workers across major occupations — including delivery riders, drivers, and insurance agents — more than 85% expressed a strong desire to join the national pension scheme as “workplace subscribers.” Currently, they are considered regional subscribers and must pay the full premium themselves, a burden many struggle to meet due to irregular incomes.

The study revealed that over 70% of riders’ and 78% of drivers’ earnings depend on performance-based pay, leaving many unable to make consistent contributions. Roughly 43% of drivers and 31% of riders have experienced lapses or exemptions in pension payments, exposing critical gaps in retirement coverage.

The proposed policy would redefine platform-based contractors as “workers” under the National Pension Act, similar to their classification in the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act. This would obligate platform companies or agencies that assign work and determine contract conditions to cover half of their workers’ pension premiums.

To address the volatility of gig economy incomes, the report also suggests using business income data — as defined under the income tax law — to calculate contributions based on actual earnings. This would alleviate the financial burden during months with little or no income.

“The spread of platform labor has created a massive blind spot in the current employment-based social insurance system,” the report stated. “Considering the high willingness among platform workers to participate, including them as workplace subscribers is now an urgent national priority.”

If implemented, the reform could offer pension stability to an estimated 2.2 million platform workers in South Korea — marking a major shift in the country’s approach to social safety nets in the gig economy era.