Labor Ministry Launches Special Inspection of Gentle Monster Over Allegations of Overwork and Unpaid Labor

Labor Inspection Launched into Gentle Monster Operator
Probe to Examine Legitimacy of Discretionary Work System and More

The Ministry of Employment and Labor has launched a labor inspection into IICombined, which operates Gentle Monster and other well-known domestic eyewear brands, following allegations of overwork and unpaid labor among young workers.

Provided by the Ministry of Employment and Labor

On January 6, the Ministry of Employment and Labor announced that it will begin a labor inspection of IICombined’s headquarters in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, in response to suspicions that the company has been improperly operating the discretionary work system.

The discretionary work system is a policy under which, if the nature of the job-such as design-requires delegating how the work is performed to the employee’s discretion, the hours agreed upon in writing between the employer and the employee representative are considered as hours worked.

Workers at the company claim that designers have fixed working hours and receive detailed instructions from management during their work, resulting in frequent and prolonged working hours in practice.

The Ministry plans to focus its inspection on whether the discretionary work system is being properly implemented, as well as to thoroughly examine overall compliance with labor laws, including working hours, vacation, breaks, holidays, and wage payment. If any violations are found, strict action will be taken.

Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Younghoon stated, "Young workers entering the labor market should not be used merely as a means for corporate growth," adding, "We will correct wrongful practices at workplaces that involve illegal or unlawful operations, such as overwork and unpaid labor."