Labor ministry moves to block fake job ads before posting

The labor ministry said Tuesday it will require online job platforms to verify advertisements for false or exaggerated claims before they are posted and to remove suspicious listings immediately.

Minister Kim Young-hoon stated that the revised rules are designed to protect applicants by weeding out suspect ads before publication and swiftly blocking those already live. "Every job posting represents a life-changing opportunity for those seeking employment," Kim said. "Fake advertisements leveraging this desperation must be eradicated."

Under the draft regulations, operators must check any advertisement showing signs of deception using data they possess or can typically access before publishing. Suspicious indicators include postings from recruiters who received correction orders in the past six months, ads where false claims are suspected based on reports, wages significantly higher than similar roles, and expressions likely to mislead applicants. Platforms must also monitor published ads and request corrections, suspend display, or delete content if substantial grounds for falsehood emerge.

Enforcement authority is split by sector: heads of public employment service agencies will order measures for paid domestic and overseas recruitment services, while local government chiefs hold corresponding powers for free and paid domestic job introduction businesses. Notifications regarding fake ads must generally be issued in writing with details on the order and reasons, though officials may issue initial commands verbally or by phone in cases where serious harm is imminent, followed immediately by written notice.

The administrative penalty system will shift from uniform business suspensions regardless of severity to a guidance-first approach, where minor first-time offenses result in warnings. Authorities also gained power to administratively close businesses that have ceased operations without reporting, based on cross-checks with tax offices and lease contracts, following a notice period of at least 14 days.

The ministry will accept public comments on the draft through Nov. 2 before finalizing the rules, which are scheduled to take effect on Dec. 10.