"Doubts whether former employee is truly ill" — Haeji-ni, shocking recording exposed [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Amid allegations of labor exploitation at Kidsworks, the company run by kids creator Haeji-ni (real name Kang Hye-jin), a recording containing disclosures from former employees has also surfaced.

The YouTube channel "Respect Lee Jin-ho" released a recording of a phone call between Haeji-ni and former employee A on the 27th.

In the video, A mentioned the wording in an opinion statement submitted during the workers' compensation application process and asked Haeji-ni, "Did you write it yourself?" In response, Haeji-ni asked A, "How have you been feeling lately?" A replied, "Not well. My depression has worsened, and I've been prescribed a lot of medication."

A mentioned that they had heard from a doctor that travel would be beneficial for their treatment, and that the company was aware of this as well.

In particular, A asked whether the company had included content in the opinion statement to the effect that "it is doubtful whether the person is truly ill" because they traveled during their leave period. When Haeji-ni answered "Yes," A said, "I understand your thoughts well. I think I need to take my medication right now," and hung up the phone.

Previously, Kidsworks announced its official stance through Haeji-ni's YouTube channel on the 27th. The company stated, "Regarding the pain of a former colleague, the company is taking that suffering seriously. We sincerely feel sorry and apologize for the fact that someone we worked with has lost their health and been going through a difficult time, regardless of the facts."

Kidsworks explained, "The colleague in question (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 their assigned duties, and granted broad autonomy over work schedules and methods of execution. We allowed them to adjust working hours depending on the situation or choose remote work," adding, "To reduce the burden of commuting, we also supported the security deposit for a residence near the company."

Regarding allegations of obstructing the workers' compensation application, the company clarified, "We did not obstruct the workers' compensation application. We respected the colleague's opinion in late 2018 that they wanted to apply for workers' compensation, introduced them to an external certified labor consultant so they could receive direct counseling, and guided them clearly through the application process."

Additionally, Kidsworks stated, "Some content spreading online differs from the facts we have verified, and we wish to correct this. We earnestly ask that you refrain from damaging the reputation of our company and creator with unverified information and speculation."

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

However, B, who had been a long-time friend of Haeji-ni, disclosed unfair treatment received at Kidsworks. They revealed that they started working after receiving an invitation in December 2012 to join as a creator for a Chinese-language channel. However, they alleged that in reality, they were essentially solely responsible for the entire production and operation of the channel, including writing video scripts, translation, voice actor recruitment, dubbing direction, video editing, and uploading.

B explained that after signing a contract with an annual salary of 20 million won, it was raised to 21 million won, but they worked up to 16 hours a day without separate overtime pay. They 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.

Haeji-ni is a popular kids creator with 4.13 million subscribers. She has appeared on numerous programs, including as the main MC for KBS TV Kindergarten, "The Boss Has Donkey Ears," "Happy Together," "Yeyu Manman," and "2 Days."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original