Hee-Jini's side, amid labor exploitation controversy, reduced annual salary but it remains below average… "Raised twice to 25 million won" [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Kids creator Hee-Jini (real name Kang Hye-jin) once again refuted suspicions of labor exploitation, revealing that her annual salary had been raised twice. However, the disclosed salary was at a level below the average for workers at the time.

On the 3rd, Hee-Jini posted Kids Work's second statement on her personal account.

Hee-Jini's side explained that regarding wages, there exist an employment contract signed by the employee in question and payment records.

According to this, the employee's annual salary was raised from 20 million won in September 2017 to 21 million won in January 2018, and then to 25 million won in November of the same year. This represents an increase of approximately 25% compared to the time of hiring. It was also added that meal allowances and bonuses were paid separately from the annual salary.

However, the disclosed salary is at a low level when compared to the average annual salary of workers at the time.

According to the "2018 Wage Worker Annual Salary Analysis," in which the Korea Economic Research Institute analyzed raw data from the Ministry of Employment and Labor's "Survey on Working Conditions by Employment Type," the average annual salary for workers in 2018 was 36.34 million won, an increase of 1.59 million won (4.6%) from the previous year (34.75 million won). The employee's annual salary of 25 million won disclosed by Kids Work is 11.34 million won lower than the average for all workers at the time.

Separately, Hee-Jini's side claimed that regarding work methods, they did not force work and proceeded flexibly in consultation with the employee in question. They explained that after confirming health difficulties, they repeatedly requested adjustments to the situation through suspension of duties or leave of absence.

They also denied suspicions of obstructing an application for industrial injury benefits. Kids Work stated, "We respected our colleague's application for industrial injury benefits, and there is no fact that we obstructed it during the application process." They conveyed that the insurance subscriber opinion form and factual relationship confirmation form submitted to the Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service were also diligently prepared based on facts as understood by the company in accordance with the review procedure. However, they added that there are differences of opinion compared to the employee's claims.

Additionally, Hee-Jini herself directly stated her position on this day. She conveyed, "Through this incident, close acquaintances, many young friends and parents who have watched me for a long time, and the Hye-chong-ies (fans) are empathizing with my feelings in my stead, feeling even more distressed and regretful. I feel heavy-hearted and sincerely apologize for causing you worry."

She added, "It is very disappointing and heartbreaking to face someone who once worked together at 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."

Meanwhile, previously, a person who identified themselves as a former employee of Kids Work recently 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 side had offered to help with an industrial injury application but later showed an attitude of doubting their illness.

In response, Kids Work's side denied the suspicions, stating, "Content different from the facts is being amplified and reproduced, seriously damaging the reputation of our company and the individual involved."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original