Heejiini, current employee refutes labor exploitation allegations: "Took a month off without using annual leave" [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Kids creator Heejiini (real name Kang Hye-jin) has been embroiled in suspicions of labor exploitation by a former employee, while a current employee has directly stepped forward to defend the company.

On the 3rd, as Heejiini shared an official statement from Kids Works on her social media, an employee who stated they are currently working at Kids Works left a lengthy comment, drawing attention.

The employee began by saying, "After worrying that sharing my personal experience and opinions might harm the company, I am cautiously leaving this post," adding, "Since many of you are sharing your own experiences and thoughts, I would like to write about what I have directly experienced and felt while working together."

They stated, "This is my first job and a company where I have continued to work for many years. I do not think it is easy to stay at one's first job for such a long time," adding, "Nevertheless, the reason I have been able to stay here this long is because the people I work with are wonderful."

They further conveyed, "While conditions such as salary and benefits are important, the people I work with have been an equally great source of strength for me," noting, "The employees I am currently working with are invaluable to me and always serve as a great support."

In particular, the employee claimed to have received consideration from the company regarding working hours and rest.

They explained, "If it seemed like I would be working late, the CEO would inform me in advance, and if I was leaving too late, they would make sure I took a taxi or told me to come in late the next day," adding, "If there were evening shoots or weekend shoots, they would coordinate for me to take Monday off, or if the schedule did not match, they would allow me to rest on a day of my choice in another week."

They added, "At the time, I was accustomed to such consideration, but looking back now, I recall those moments with gratitude."

The employee also revealed an experience of taking a month off last year due to personal reasons. They stated, "Because I have been working for a long time, there were times when I felt tired from work and wanted to rest. In such cases, the company would proactively tell me to take a break."

They continued, "In fact, during a period in 2025 when I was personally very exhausted and struggling, they showed consideration by allowing me to take a month off without using my annual leave, so I had a rest period," adding, "Therefore, when I came across stories saying it was difficult to take time off, it felt unfamiliar because it differed from the situation I directly experienced."

However, they emphasized, "I do not know everyone's situation, but at least regarding the parts I have experienced, I believe I can say this."

The employee also stated, "Those who have worked with us for about one to one and a half years will also have things they experienced and felt during that time. I too have accumulated experiences from being by your side from the beginning until now," adding, "While we cannot say whose experience is more important based solely on the length of time spent together, I hope you would listen to what I have felt while working for a long time as well."

They further confided, "I think that when people work together for a long time, they may remember or accept things differently," noting, "It also felt regrettable that the stories being shared now do not seem to fully capture the image of the company I have experienced."

Finally, they stated, "There are employees who are still working hard in their respective positions, and as one of them, it was not comfortable watching this situation," adding, "I also worried that my colleagues might be hurt. That is why I wanted to share my experience and left a comment."

Previously, an individual who identified themselves as a former employee of Kids Works raised suspicions of labor exploitation, claiming they were diagnosed with panic disorder and depression after suffering from excessive workloads. They also claimed that the company initially offered to help apply for workers' compensation but later showed an attitude of doubting their illness.

In response, Kids Works denied the allegations, stating, "Content different from the facts is being amplified and reproduced, seriously damaging the reputation of our company and the individual involved."

The company explained that a labor contract signed by the employee in question and payroll records exist, and that they did not impose restrictions on working methods but granted autonomy. They also countered that after confirming health difficulties, they repeatedly requested to prioritize health through work suspension, leave, or sabbatical.

Heejiini also expressed gratitude to current employees, saying, "Even in a shaky situation, I was able to endure because you stayed in your positions, quietly did your jobs, and kept me company."

Regarding the former employee who raised the suspicions, she stated, "It is very regrettable and heartbreaking to face someone with whom I once worked together after eight years," adding, "I sincerely hope that person recovers their health and lives a peaceful daily life."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original