National Audit, Protecting Pengsoo's 'Mystique'... "Only Concerned with EBS Treatment"

Assemblywoman Hwang Bo-seung-hee: "Will Review Character Industry Structure and EBS Financial Performance"

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] This year, the popular character Pengsoo is set to appear as a witness at the National Assembly audit, drawing attention. However, there are no plans to reveal Pengsoo's identity or remove the costume at the hearing.

The purpose of Pengsoo's attendance is to examine whether the character worker, who has generated enormous revenue for EBS by participating in numerous advertisements and events, has a proper labor contract and is fairly compensated, explained Representative Hwang Bo-seung-hee.

According to political circles on the 24th, the National Assembly's Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting Committee has agreed to summon the unnamed performer of the Pengsoo character as a witness.

Representative Hwang Bo-seung-hee of the People Power Party, who requested Pengsoo's attendance as a witness, said, "We will review the treatment of character performers like Pengsoo, including excessive labor and travel without rest and poor working conditions, and check whether Pengsoo, who is 'the dream and hope of adults,' is receiving appropriate appearance fees." She added, "We will also scrutinize the fairness of the overall profit distribution structure of EBS's own content (character) businesses."

Regarding the disclosure of Pengsoo's identity, a staff member from Representative Hwang's office stated, "Since the character itself must maintain mystique, there are no plans to reveal the identity," and added, "We will examine whether Pengsoo, who significantly contributes to EBS's revenue, is receiving commensurate treatment and whether he is suffering from poor working conditions."

However, EBS reportedly shows reluctance about the actual form of Pengsoo's appearance at the National Assembly audit. The identity of the performer currently portraying the Pengsoo character remains veiled. Pengsoo is a penguin character appearing on EBS's 'Giant Peng TV.' His confident way of speaking has resonated strongly with office workers, establishing him as a popular character.