A worker installs a 5G base station in Seoul. Korea Times file

By Lee Kyung-min

An unmarried male employee of LG Uplus Corp., the country's third-largest telecommunications service provider by market cap, has received benefits similar in design to what his married coworkers receive, the firm said Monday.

LG Uplus introduced the new benefit in line with demands from the firm's unionized workers seeking to dispel what they consider an outdated notion of how a major life choice should be celebrated.

"I am happy to say that I have become the first to seek the new benefit, which I have always wanted," the man posted on the firm's intranet, Monday.

"Me declining to marry is nothing more than a description of me in the context of marital status, and it doesn't mean in any way that I live alone. Everybody has different life choices and different circumstances," he said. The online post had over 50 comments congratulating him.

He has become the first LG Uplus employee to be granted the one month's base wage and five days of paid leave, since the LG Group affiliate introduced the strengthened benefit program revised to respect more diverse life choices of employees.

Eligible are those aged 38 or older who have at least five years of work experience.

The recipients of the benefit will not be eligible for further benefits if they have a change of heart and decide to get married.

They must stay unmarried and employed at the firm for at least two years after receiving the benefits, or will have to return the full amount.

It remains to be seen whether any other large conglomerates will embrace the practice, which seeks to respect a growing number of young employees for who they are and the choices they make.

"We are happy that the new benefit is drawing positive responses," the firm said. "LG Uplus values the opinions of employees."