The Alarming Reality of K-pop Idols Facing Workplace Harassment with No Reporting Channels

NewJeans’ Hanni Raises Concerns Over Workplace Harassment

On October 15, Hanni, a member of the popular K-pop group NewJeans, appeared as a witness at the National Assembly’s Environment and Labor Committee audit in Yeouido, Seoul, where she addressed lawmakers on pressing issues related to workplace harassment. Despite her testimony, her claims were dismissed on the grounds that K-pop performers are not classified as regular employees by their agencies.

According to CedarBough Saeji, an Assistant Professor at Pusan National University, the lack of recognition for K-pop idols under labor regulations allows for exploitation. In a BBC article titled “Are K-pop stars workers? South Korea says no,” published on October 20, she stated, “Exploitation of the workers is accepted because they are not regular employees and there is no labour union, or clearly we can now see, no governmental agency to advocate for humane working conditions for them.”

The BBC article highlighted an instance where the Ministry of Employment and Labor disregarded complaints about workplace harassment made by Hanni during the National Assembly’s audit. They formulated their decision on an outdated interpretation of the Labor Standards Act, asserting that idols do not qualify as employees.

Professor Saeji’s remark that the ministry’s response was “utterly unfair and yet unsurprising” underscores the recognized severity of issues within the Korean entertainment sector, notorious for its rigorous standards and high-pressure conditions.

The Classification Conundrum: Special-Type Workers

The debate surrounding the classification of idols as employees is ongoing. Currently, K-pop artists are designated as “special-type workers,” a category that also encompasses insurance agents, rideshare drivers, private tutors, and freelance writers. This classification means that while they belong to an organization and receive income, they are treated as self-employed contractors, resulting in limited labor rights.

This predicament affects over 2 million individuals in South Korea categorized as special-type workers, signaling a broader concern within the labor market.

Potential Legislative Changes

In response to these concerns, advocates argue for the necessity of legislative revisions to the Popular Culture and Arts Industry Development Act, governed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, to ensure enhanced protection for idol’s rights.

On November 21, Representative Woo Jae-joon from the People Power Party proposed a bill aimed at preventing exploitation of workers in the cultural and arts sector through hierarchical abuses that lead to physical or psychological distress or worsen working conditions. Additionally, in 2022, the National Human Rights Commission of Korea recommended systemic changes to safeguard minors in the entertainment industry.

Amidst these discussions, a statement made by NewJeans’ member Minji during an emergency press conference on November 28 resonates with hope. She expressed a desire for a working environment characterized by mutual respect and freedom from harassment, a sentiment that many hope will materialize in the near future.

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