BBC "Korea Overworking Idols... NewJeans Hani, Not Considered a Worker?"

BBC in the UK Covers NewJeans Incident: "Reform Is Urgent"

As the Ministry of Employment and Labor concluded that workplace harassment against the group NewJeans was not recognized, foreign media highlighted the issue and emphasized the need for reform.

On the 20th (local time), the British media outlet BBC covered the recent allegations of workplace harassment experienced by NewJeans member Hanni in an article titled "Are K-pop stars workers? South Korea says no."

NewJeans member Hani Pham appeared as a witness at the National Assembly's Environment and Labor Committee's audit on the Economic and Social Labor Committee, Central Labor Committee, and Minimum Wage Committee held on the afternoon of the 15th last month in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News.

BBC stated, "NewJeans sold more albums last year than any other K-pop girl group, has tens of millions of fans worldwide, and is one of the most popular singers in South Korea," but added, "However, NewJeans are not workers." It continued, "While this decision has faced significant criticism, some say it is not surprising given that the industry is known for its strict schedules and fierce competition."

BBC reported, "The incident began last September when the members expressed concerns about their treatment by ADOR during a YouTube live broadcast," and "Afterwards, NewJeans claimed workplace harassment, and the conflict peaked when Hanni said she would testify about the harassment at a National Assembly audit."

BBC also quoted a Korean lawyer saying, "To be considered a worker, an individual must meet the criteria under the Labor Standards Act. This includes having fixed working hours and providing labor under the direct supervision and control of the employer. Celebrities, including singers, are generally classified as independent contractors."

However, an expert told BBC, "K-pop idols work continuously for long hours. Their rest periods are not clearly defined," pointing out that there are no specific laws protecting artists' labor rights. He added, "This shows the urgent need for reform to address the longstanding issues in the entertainment industry."

On February 1st, 2024, at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Jung-gu, Seoul, the girl group NewJeans, serving as ambassadors, is taking photos at the '2024 F/W Seoul Fashion Week.' Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

Earlier, in September, Hanni claimed during a YouTube live broadcast that while waiting in the hallway of HYBE's building, she greeted passing entertainers and managers, but one manager told her to "ignore" her. After seeing this video, a NewJeans fan filed a complaint with the Ministry of Employment and Labor through the National Petition Board, stating, "The bullying allegations against NewJeans within HYBE must be thoroughly investigated."

The Western District Prosecutor's Office, which investigated the complaint, stated, "Considering the content and nature of the management contract Hanni signed, it is difficult to view her as a worker under the Labor Standards Act who provides labor for wages under a subordinate relationship." The reasons cited included "the relationship is merely one where both parties fulfill their contractual obligations as equal contracting parties, making it difficult to see any direction or supervision from the company."