Hee Jini Rebutts Exploitation Allegations Again: "Speculation and Falsehoods… Legal Action Against Further Harm" [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Amid controversy sparked by a former employee of the company operated by YouTuber Hee Jini (real name Kang Hye-jin) claiming labor exploitation, Hee Jini has once again issued a statement to refute the allegations.

On the 3rd, Kids Works, the company managed by Hee Jini, posted on social media, "A signed employment contract and payment records exist." The company stated, "The annual salary specified in the employment contract was increased by 25% compared to the time of hiring. Salaries were paid without issue under the compensation system from nine years ago." It added, "In addition to the annual salary, meal allowances and bonuses were paid separately. The discrepancy between the amounts on the publicly released withholding tax receipts is due to factors such as leave periods. While we will not disclose the employment contract as it contains personal information, we will make it public if necessary in response to speculation and false statements."

The company continued, "We did not force work; rather, we discussed with the colleague and proceeded flexibly. We respected the application for workers' compensation and have not interfered with it. The insurance subscriber's opinion form and the fact-verification certificate were diligently prepared in accordance with the review procedures of the Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service." It further noted, "We had a good relationship before joining the company, introduced through an acquaintance. After joining, we prepared Chinese content and creator business together, but it is regrettable that we did not achieve good results."

The company added, "The company is continuously changing and growing. Some areas requiring improvement regarding software usage have been identified. We currently possess genuine licenses and use them in compliance with copyright law. If there are any shortcomings, we will responsibly correct them and diligently improve."

Hee Jini's side warned, "Please refrain from spreading false information or expanding the issue into defamation of individuals unrelated to the matter." It stated, "If further harm occurs, we have no choice but to take civil and criminal legal measures to protect our members."

Hee Jini also issued a statement. She said, "I would like to be remembered as a good person by everyone, but sometimes it is not possible for various reasons. Nevertheless, I am well aware that there are people who continue to watch over my shortcomings until the end." She added, "Close acquaintances, many young friends and parents who have watched me for a long time, and the Hye-chong community (her fans) have tried to understand my feelings on my behalf, feeling even more upset and sorry. I feel heavy-hearted and sincerely apologize for causing you worry."

She conveyed, "I am also grateful to the employees currently with me. Thanks to them holding their positions and quietly doing their respective jobs despite the unstable situation, and staying by my side, I was able to endure. It is very disappointing and painful to face someone who once worked with me in the same place after eight years. I want to believe that the time we spent together was not entirely difficult. I sincerely hope that person recovers their health and lives a peaceful daily life."

Previously, controversy erupted recently when a former employee of Hee Jini's company claimed labor exploitation. The former employee stated they were diagnosed with panic disorder and depression due to excessive work, and that despite being told they would be helped with the workers' compensation application, their illness was suspected. In response, Kids Works denied all allegations.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original