Salary gap emerges between Hey Jini and Heebab amid labor controversy

A former employee of Hey Jini claimed to have earned an annual salary of 20 million won while working 16-hour days, contrasting with Heebab's revealed starting monthly pay of more than 5 million won for new hires.

As controversy continues following allegations from former employees of Hey Jini regarding past working conditions, including long working hours and low wages, the exceptional employee salaries of mukbang creator Heebab, who appeared on the same variety program, are drawing renewed attention. While claims have emerged that one side involved an annual salary of 20 million won with workdays lasting up to 16 hours, the other side revealed paying new employees more than 5 million won per month. The management styles of the two creators, revealed on the same broadcast, are drawing interest due to their stark contrast.

On the 29th, a former employee, referred to as A, appeared on the YouTube channel 'Respect Lee Jin-ho' to explain the background of why they decided to expose the past working environment after seven years. A claimed that although they had intended to leave the painful memories behind because they were once friends with Hey Jini, they changed their mind after seeing Hey Jini portrayed as a caring boss on KBS2's 'Boss in the Mirror.' The explanation provided was that the broadcast, filmed during a time when A was experiencing extreme suffering, depicted a reality different from their actual experience, which prompted the decision to come forward.

In 2020, Hey Jini appeared on the program and showed the side of a young CEO who communicates candidly with employees. The broadcast drew attention by revealing a free and pleasant company atmosphere, such as playing games with staff and having morning company dinners. However, the working environment described by A was significantly different from the image presented on the show.

A claimed to have received an annual salary of 20 million won at the time, which later increased to 21 million won, but worked up to 16 hours a day without separate overtime pay. Work continued through weekends and holidays, and A claimed to have been diagnosed with panic disorder and depression under these working conditions. A stated that industrial accident compensation was recognized in January 2020, and another former employee added their voice, claiming long working hours and poor working conditions.

In conjunction with this, the employee salaries of Heebab, which were revealed on the same program in the past, are being re-examined. In 2023, Heebab appeared on 'Boss in the Mirror' as the youngest boss and revealed the salary system of the company she operates. At the time, she surprised the cast by showing herself directly transferring monthly salaries to employees' accounts and revealing that the pre-tax monthly salary for executive-level employees reached 12 million won.

The salary for new employees drew even more attention. Explaining that she had grown the company alongside founding members, Heebab revealed that new employees are paid more than 5 million won per month as their starting salary. Upon hearing this, Kim Sook expressed a desire to join Heebab's company, and Uie also showed envy by asking about recruitment. An executive at the company also shared that although the work can be difficult, receiving the salary makes the previous hardships feel worthwhile.

When converted simply, the 20 million won annual salary claimed by A is approximately 1.67 million won per month. In contrast, the new employee salary revealed by Heebab on the broadcast is more than 5 million won per month, creating a difference of about three times between the two salaries. However, since the two cases occurred at different times and involve different job roles, working conditions, and salary calculation standards, it is difficult to judge the entire working environment of a company based solely on a simple comparison of amounts. Nevertheless, the gap in salary levels revealed through the same program is drawing attention to the human resource management and labor value of creator-led companies.

Hey Jini's side refuted the claims made by the former employees. Kids Works, the agency, explained that salaries were paid according to the wage system at the time, and that annual salaries were subsequently increased by 25% and bonuses were paid even during leave periods. They also clarified that the allegation of obstructing industrial accident applications is untrue, stating that they supported the process by introducing an external certified labor attorney and providing assistance for consultations.

Ultimately, the core of this controversy does not lie simply in who paid higher monthly salaries. The key issue is whether there was a gap between the friendly boss image shown on broadcast and the labor reality that actual employees claim to have experienced, and whether the company's explanation and the former employees' claims can be verified as specific facts. Attention is also focused on how the labor of the employees who drive the companies behind the glamorous content and high recognition was treated.

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