First K-pop Idol Union Set to Launch by End of Year to Eliminate Overwork and Online Abuse

The South Korean entertainment industry is undergoing a major transformation. K-pop idols are pushing for the establishment of the country’s first idol labor union, taking concrete action to protect themselves from overwork, online hate, and neglect of mental health. The preparatory committee for the idol union submitted an official application to the Seongnam Branch of the Ministry of Employment and Labor in September, followed by supplementary documents proving the idols’ “worker status” in October. Approval is expected before the end of the year. To date, around 10 idols, including singer Ailee, have expressed interest in joining. Former TEEN TOP member Bang Min-soo, known by his stage name CAP, serves as the committee chairman, while Seo Min-seon from the Democratic Party’s Youth Policy Research Institute is responsible for organization and outreach. This week, the committee sent an official request to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, urging an investigation into how entertainment companies manage their idols’ mental health. The request calls for the development of standardized guidelines regarding mental health care, responses to cyberbullying, and emergency interventions for those in crisis. The committee argues that idols qualify as workers under South Korea’s Labor Standards Act, as they work under strict schedules and surveillance while receiving regular pay. However, the current contract system classifies them as “independent contractors,” preventing them from accessing industrial accident insurance and other key protective benefits. Additionally, the committee submitted a petition to revoke HYBE’s “Best Company” certification and appealed to the Korea Copyright Protection Agency to address human rights issues due to excessive control over artists’ private lives and inadequate reporting of workplace deaths. If established, this union is expected to mark a significant step forward toward fair working conditions and mental health reforms in the K-pop industry. Meanwhile, Park Jin-young, chairman of JYP Entertainment, stated during a recent appearance on MBC Radio Star that he plans to support the K-pop industry by taking on the role of co-chair of the Presidential Office’s Cultural Diplomacy Committee. He pointed out that without government intervention, capitalism favors the wealthy too much.