How do I file a report of unpaid wages?

The situation you described is a typical case of unpaid wages and constitutes a violation of the wage payment obligation under Article 43 of the 「Labor Standards Act」.

That is, when an employer fails to pay wages or severance pay, which are compensation for labor, on the designated payment date, the worker can obtain legal protection by filing a report of unpaid wages.

A report of unpaid wages can be filed by visiting the competent local labor office (the labor inspector's office) in person, or online through the Ministry of Employment and Labor website (Minwon Madang → wage arrears petition).

When filing, you must also submit documents that prove the employment relationship and the fact of nonpayment, such as the employment contract, pay statements, and bank account records.

Once the report is received, the labor inspector requests the company to appear, confirms the facts, and then issues a wage payment order or a corrective instruction.

If the employer fails to comply, they may be subject, under Article 109 of the「Labor Standards Act」, to imprisonment for up to three years or a fine not exceeding 30 million won.

Meanwhile, in order to recover unpaid wages promptly, a worker may also exercise their rights directly through civil procedures (a payment order, a civil lawsuit) or an application for provisional attachment.

In addition, you can receive legal consultation and litigation representation support through the Korea Legal Aid Corporation, and a worker whose average wage during the three months before leaving employment is less than 4 million won qualifies for such assistance.