Hey Jini faces scrutiny over allegations of long working hours

A former employee of creator Hey Jini has claimed to have suffered from panic disorder and depression due to working up to 16 hours a day without overtime pay. The allegations, which include an industrial accident recognized in January 2020, have cast doubt on the free-spirited company culture previously shown on the KBS 2TV program 'Boss in the Mirror'.

Kids creator Hey Jini, who has 4 million subscribers, has become embroiled in controversy following allegations from a former employee regarding long working hours. The claims have brought renewed scrutiny to the company culture previously showcased on a variety program, where the young CEO was depicted enjoying games with employees in a free-spirited atmosphere. However, as the former employee claims to have suffered from long working hours and deteriorating health, perspectives on that portrayed company scene are shifting.

Hey Jini previously appeared on the KBS 2TV variety program 'Boss in the Mirror', revealing daily life at the company she operates. During the broadcast, employees were shown staying at the office after regular working hours to play games with Hey Jini. The scenes of the CEO and employees spending leisure time together in the workspace were introduced as a unique corporate culture distinct from typical workplaces.

Company life was also portrayed as unconventional, featuring daily routines that deviated from standard practices, such as holding company dinners at 9:00 AM or visiting movie theaters with staff. At the time, this drew interest as a free-spirited organizational culture created by a young CEO. However, following the former employee's exposure, questions are being raised as to whether the company operated around the office even after work hours and whether the boundary between work and private life was sufficiently guaranteed. While the entire actual working environment cannot be judged solely by a few scenes from a broadcast, the past images are being re-examined in light of the current allegations.

A former employee, referred to as A, who stated they worked at the company operated by Hey Jini, claimed through online communities that they suffered from panic disorder due to long working hours and were recognized for an industrial accident. As A's allegations spread, attention is focused on whether there was a discrepancy between the company culture shown on broadcast and the actual working environment.

According to A, they were a long-time friend of Hey Jini and began working in December 2016 after being proposed to work together as a creator for a Chinese language channel. However, A claimed that after joining, they were solely responsible for the entire scope of work required to operate the Chinese channel, ranging from writing and translating video scripts to casting voice actors, directing dubbing, and video editing and uploading. A explained that the workload increased significantly as they effectively handled many processes of content production alone.

Claims regarding working conditions also followed. A stated that while they contracted for an annual salary of 20 million won, they worked up to 16 hours a day without receiving separate overtime pay. A claimed to have worked on weekends more than five times a month and was unable to properly rest even during traditional holiday periods. A asserted that these repeated working conditions caused accumulated workload, which ultimately had a serious impact on both physical and mental health.

A revealed that they visited the emergency room after experiencing breathing difficulties while working late at the company, and was subsequently diagnosed with panic disorder, depression, and social anxiety. A further claimed that after approximately one year of review, an industrial accident was recognized in January 2020. However, A added that their condition worsened to the point of attempting suicide in April of the same year and that they continue to receive treatment to this day. These are personal experiences and claims disclosed by A, and specific circumstances and related facts require further verification.

As the controversy grows, comments demanding an explanation regarding the former employee's claims have been appearing on Hey Jini's YouTube channel. As of now, an official position from Hey Jini's side has not been confirmed. The core of this controversy has emerged as whether the free company atmosphere shown in past broadcasts meant the same thing to the employees, and what explanation will be provided regarding the claims of long working hours and the industrial accident.

While the company of a famous creator may be perceived as having a friendly image by the public consuming the content, it is a workplace where the livelihoods and labor rights of employees are at stake. The sight of a CEO and employees enjoying games together or a unique company dinner culture does not immediately guarantee a good working environment. This matter raises the need to distinguish between the pleasantness of an organizational culture shown outwardly and actual working conditions. Interest is gathering in the company's explanation regarding A's allegations and the verification of objective facts.

Read the original (Korean)