As China’s 996 culture spreads, South Korea’s tech sector grapples with 52-hour limit and work-life tensions.
Matilda
China’s 996 vs. Korea’s 52-Hour Limit
As China’s 996 Culture Spreads, South Korea’s Tech Sector Grapples with 52-Hour Limit The race to dominate the deep tech revolution — spanning AI, semiconductors, and quantum computing — has redefined how innovation and labor intersect. As China’s 996 culture spreads, South Korea’s tech sector grapples with 52-hour limit policies that aim to balance competitiveness with worker well-being. The tension between long-hour productivity and sustainable labor practices is creating a new cultural crossroads in Asia’s tech ecosystem. Image Credits:Macrostore / Getty Images Many companies are finding themselves in a dilemma. They can’t afford to relax while global competitors push harder, yet excessive workloads risk burnout, lower creativity, and legal consequences. The growing conversation around China’s “996” model — working 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week — has become a flashpoint for contrasting labor philosophies worldwide. What 996 Means for Tech Culture Across Asia The 996 culture — a 72-h…
