This study explores the social insurance precariousness of dependent self-employed(DSE) workers in Korea by analyzing a number of pension coverage indicators drawn from the NPS database. The main findings are as follows. First, from the perspective of...
This study explores the social insurance precariousness of dependent self-employed(DSE) workers in Korea by analyzing a number of pension coverage indicators drawn from the NPS database. The main findings are as follows. First, from the perspective of pension payments and income fluctuation, the DSE workers are likely to be more precarious than the Individually Insured group excluding those workers. Second, the contribution density of nine types of the DSE workers eligible for Workers’ Compensation Insurance is a mere 67.2% whilst that of the Workplace-based DSE workers approaches 100%. Hence, it implies that the Individually Insured DSE workers are more exposed to precariousness in terms of contribution density. Third, in contrast with the aforementioned aspects, higher coverage rate and Standard Monthly Income are found for the DSE workers as compared to the Individually Insured group excluding those workers. Overall, it is difficult to argue that DSE workers necessarily experience all aspects of precariousness in the National Pension Scheme.
Based upon the findings, the study presents some policy suggestions. First, in order to lessen the precariousness of DSE workers, it would be more effective to formulate evidence-based policy alternatives than to incorporate them into the Workplace-based group. The research therefore suggests a measure that temporally matches pension contributions for the DSE workers experiencing radical income fluctuation. Second, policy measures designed to support them should be based on an approach focusing on their features rather than job types. This approach, however, could be more effective in a situation where particular countermeasures such as better administrative capability to monitor actual income are well implemented. Third, four types of the social insurance system in Korea should seek consistent principles and policy directions to comprehensively promote the level of social protection for DSE workers. Fourth, the aforementioned countermeasures would be necessary to minimize the rapid expansion of DSE workers and their income under-reporting.