S. Korea sees largest employment increase in 13 months, but concerns remain

South Korea saw the largest increase in employment in 13 months, rising for a fifth consecutive month in May.

According to Statistics Korea on Wednesday, the number of employed people aged 15 or older in May reached 29.16 million, up 245 thousand compared to the same period last year.

Job additions in healthcare and welfare, as well as scientific and technical services, rose by 233 thousand and 117 thousand, respectively.

However, sluggish employment in the construction and manufacturing sectors remains, with 13 and 11 consecutive months of year-on-year decline, respectively.