All employees earn 2 billion won annually, while Heeji's revenue is 2 billion won? "Sales exceed 3 billion won" [★NEWSing]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

The past earnings disclosed by kids creator Heeji (real name Kang Hye-jin), who has been embroiled in allegations of labor exploitation, are being re-examined.

Heeji appeared on the KBS 2TV variety show "TV is Carrying Love" in 2021. At the time, Heeji stated, "We have about 13 employees."

When asked about her earnings, Heeji deflected by saying, "I am also listed as an employee at the company and receive a salary."

In response, MC Hyun Joo-yeop said, "I already knew," adding, "Your annual revenue exceeds 2 billion won. Sales are over 3 billion won," explaining her earnings on her behalf.

This remark has drawn attention as controversy erupted following the exposé by former employee A. Recently, A revealed their past working conditions and experiences during the industrial accident application process through an online community.

A, who was a long-time friend of Heeji and a former employee at Heeji's company Kidsworks, said they began working after receiving an invitation to join as a Chinese-language channel creator in December 2012. However, A claimed that they were essentially responsible for the entire production and operation of the channel alone, 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 2 billion won, it was raised to 21 million won, but they worked up to 16 hours a day without separate overtime pay. A also 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.

Amid this, YouTuber Lee Jin-ho released a recording of a phone call between Heeji and A on his YouTube channel "Respect Lee Jin-ho" on the 27th. In the recording, Heeji first asked A, "How have you been feeling lately?" A replied, "Not well," adding, "My depression has worsened, and I am being prescribed a lot of medication."

A then mentioned the opinion letter submitted by the company during the industrial accident application process. They asked whether it was true that the letter contained content expressing doubt about whether they were truly ill, citing their travel while on leave, and whether Heeji had written it herself. A added that a doctor had explained that traveling would be beneficial for treatment and that the company was aware of this fact.

In response, Heeji briefly answered, "Yes." After a moment of silence, A said, "I understand your thoughts well. I think I need to take my medication now," and ended the call. A claims that their health condition deteriorated further after this conversation.

Meanwhile, Kidsworks stated regarding the controversy, "In our early days of establishment, we operated by consulting with colleagues on the content and methods of work every time, granting broad autonomy in work schedules and execution methods. We allowed adjustments to working hours or the option of remote work depending on the situation." The company also noted, "To reduce the burden of commuting, we supported the security deposit for housing near the office."

Regarding allegations of obstructing the industrial accident application, the company clarified, "We did not obstruct the industrial accident application. At the end of 2018, respecting the colleague's desire to apply for an industrial accident benefit, we introduced an external certified labor consultant so they could receive direct counseling and guided them clearly through the application process."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original