16-hour workdays, gaslighting allegations surface… Haeji Jini speaks out: "We feel deeply sorry and regretful" [Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Amid allegations of labor exploitation at Kidsworks, a company operated by kids creator Haeji Jini (real name Kang Hye-jin), additional disclosures from former employees have continued. The company expressed regret over the suffering of a former employee while clarifying that some claims differ from the facts.

Recently, Person A, who claimed to have been a long-time friend of Haeji Jini, disclosed unfair treatment they received at Kidsworks.

A stated that they began working after receiving an invitation in December 2012 to join as a creator for a Chinese-language channel. However, A alleged that they were effectively responsible alone for the entire production and operation of the channel, including writing video scripts, translation, voice actor recruitment, dubbing direction, video editing, and uploading.

A explained that after signing a contract with an annual salary of 20 million won, which was later raised to 21 million won, they worked up to 16 hours a day without separate overtime pay. A claimed that in November 2018, they visited the emergency room due to shortness of breath during overtime work and were subsequently diagnosed with panic disorder, depression, and social anxiety.

Subsequently, Person B, who identified themselves as a former employee of Kidsworks, also came forward with additional disclosures.

B stated that they found the courage to speak out after seeing A's disclosure post, and claimed that although they knew about an employee suffering from panic disorder at the time of hiring, there were no substantial changes in the working environment after the incident.

Additionally, B said that there was no compensatory leave for weekend and holiday work, and that they experienced unlimited overtime due to the abuse of the comprehensive wage system, refusal of resignation, and gaslighting.

B stated, "When an employee expressed their intention to resign, they were subjected to gaslighting intended to undermine their self-esteem with remarks like 'Are you going to give up so easily?'" and "They seemed to exploit the fact that early-career employees did not know that resignation would be processed after a certain period even if the intent to resign was rejected, failing to process legitimate resignations in a timely manner while applying persuasion and pressure." Along with this, B presented a certificate verifying enrollment details for the four major social insurance programs as evidence.

As the controversy grew, Kidsworks issued an official statement on the 27th through Haeji Jini's YouTube channel. The company stated, "The company takes seriously the pain of a colleague who worked in the past. We sincerely feel sorry and regretful about the fact that someone we worked with lost their health and went through a difficult time, regardless of the factual circumstances."

Kidsworks explained, "The colleague in question (Person A) worked for about a year from September 2017 to December 2018 before taking leave, and voluntarily resigned in May 2019 during their leave period according to their own will."

It continued, "In the early days of our founding, we operated by consulting with the colleague every time regarding the content and method of work responsibilities, and granted broad autonomy over work schedules and methods. We allowed adjustments to working hours or the option of remote work depending on the situation," and added, "To reduce the burden of commuting, we also supported the security deposit for housing near the company."

Regarding allegations of obstructing workers' compensation applications, the company clarified, "We did not obstruct workers' compensation applications. We respected the opinion of the colleague in question who wanted to apply for workers' compensation at the end of 2018 by introducing an external certified labor consultant so they could receive direct counseling, and ensured they received clear guidance on the application process."

Additionally, Kidsworks stated, "Some content spreading online differs from the factual circumstances confirmed by our company, and we wish to correct this," and added, "We earnestly ask that you refrain from damaging the reputation of our company and creators with unverified information and speculation."

Kidsworks added, "Taking this incident as an opportunity, we will review our working environment and improve any shortcomings," and concluded, "Above all, we sincerely wish for the colleague's recovery."

Meanwhile, Haeji Jini is a popular kids creator with 4.13 million subscribers. She has appeared in numerous programs, including as the main MC of KBS TV Kindergarten, "The Boss Has Donkey Ears," "Happy Together," "Yeyu Manman," and "2 Days & 1 Night."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original