Strengthening Trainee Rights Protection... Culture Ministry to Announce Standard Contracts on January 1

Clear Deadline Specified for Payment of Damages

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The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on December 31 that it has prepared revised versions of two standard contracts: the "Standard Contract for Trainees in the Field of Popular Culture and Arts" and the "Standard Supplementary Agreement for Adolescent Popular Culture and Arts Artists (Trainees)." These revisions will be officially announced on January 1, 2026.

This revision of the standard contracts is a follow-up measure to the amendment and enforcement of the "Act on the Development of the Popular Culture and Arts Industry," which took effect on August 1. The focus is on strengthening the basic rights of adolescents and trainees at the contract stage by specifying prohibited acts against minors and clarifying the obligation of business operators to designate a youth protection officer.

In the "Standard Contract for Trainees in the Field of Popular Culture and Arts," provisions for protecting the mental health of trainees have been improved. Previously, support for treatment was only allowed in cases of severe depression, but the scope has now been expanded to include symptoms of depression and similar conditions. As a result, planning companies can provide broader and more appropriate counseling and treatment, with the trainee's consent.

Additionally, the deadline for payment of damages and penalties arising from contract termination or cancellation has been clearly defined as "within XX days from the date of occurrence of the reason, or within a period agreed upon by both parties," in order to prevent disputes caused by ambiguous payment deadlines.

The "Standard Supplementary Agreement for Adolescent Popular Culture and Arts Artists (Trainees)" includes new provisions to protect fundamental rights such as physical and mental health and the right to education. In particular, it explicitly prohibits acts that infringe upon the right to education, such as forcing school absences or dropouts.

All acts that cause physical or mental harm-including assault, threats, verbal abuse, coercion, sexual harassment, and sexual violence-are defined as prohibited. If there are concerns about health or safety risks, companies are not allowed to force trainees to provide services such as filming or performing. Planning companies are required to designate a youth protection officer and must inform both the minor and their guardian of this designation.

An official from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism stated, "Since the standard contracts are the most widely referenced guidelines in the popular culture industry, they must be continuously updated in line with changes in laws and the industry environment. We expect that this revision will further strengthen the protection of human rights for trainees and adolescent artists and enhance the transparency of contracts."