As South Korea enforces a 52-hour workweek limit, effective from January 1, 2025, the tech sector is grappling with the implications for innovation and productivity. This regulation, designed to protect workers, has raised concerns among deep tech companies, particularly in fields like AI and semiconductors, where intense workloads are often necessary. Industry leaders express that strict limits can stifle creativity and disrupt workflow, especially during critical project phases. Some suggest that a more flexible approach, such as averaging hours over a month, could better accommodate the fluctuating demands of R&D. Comparatively, South Korea's workweek regulations sit between those of the U.S. and Europe, highlighting the ongoing tension between labor rights and the need for competitive agility in a rapidly evolving global tech landscape.