Hey Jini addresses labor exploitation claims as agency refutes allegations

Kids creator Hey Jini expressed her heavy heart on the 3rd regarding labor exploitation allegations made by a former employee. Her agency, Kids Works, refuted the claims by noting the employee's annual salary had increased by 25% since joining and that meal expenses and bonuses were paid separately.

Kids creator Hey Jini (real name Kang Hye-jin) has spoken out regarding the controversy sparked by a former employee's allegations of labor exploitation. While expressing her feelings about facing a former long-time colleague again after eight years amidst this controversy, her agency refuted the allegations by citing annual salary increases and guaranteed work autonomy. The controversy has entered a new phase as Hey Jini publicly shared her emotions while the claims of both sides remain sharply divided.

On the 3rd, Hey Jini posted a long message on her account, revealing her complex feelings regarding the situation. "I would like to be remembered as a good person by everyone, but sometimes, for various reasons, I cannot be," she stated, adding, "Nevertheless, I am well aware that there are people who continue to watch over me, despite my shortcomings." While being conscious of her image and public evaluation, she expressed gratitude to those who continue to support her unchangingly.

In particular, she expressed a heavy heart regarding the worry and sadness felt by the children fans, parents, and the fandom 'Hyechungi' who have watched her for a long time. "Close acquaintances, many child friends and parents who have watched me for a long time, and Hyechungi-s have understood my heart and felt more upset and saddened on my behalf," Hey Jini said. "My heart is heavy and I am apologetic for causing concern."

She did not forget to thank them for the support, stating, "Thanks to that heart, I was able to strive not to lose my balance." For Hey Jini, who has built a friendly image through children's content over a long period, this controversy acts as a significant burden as it is an issue that makes her reflect on public trust beyond a simple personal conflict.

Regret was evident in her mention of the past relationship with the former employee who raised the controversy. "It is very regrettable and heartbreaking to face someone like this after eight years, someone I once worked with in the same place," Hey Jini said. "I want to believe that the time we spent together was not all difficult." She added that she "sincerely hopes the employee recovers their health and spends a peaceful daily life."

Along with her feelings, Hey Jini shared a second official statement released by her agency, Kids Works. The company claimed that since the former employee's exposure, false information has been widely reproduced, seriously damaging the reputation of both the individual and the company. Specifically, the agency explained that the annual salary specified in the labor contract had been increased by 25% from the time of joining, and two salary adjustments were made within one year. They also refuted allegations regarding the wage system by emphasizing that meal expenses and bonuses were paid separately from the salary.

Regarding the working environment and methods, the company took the position that they guaranteed autonomy to the former employee and never forced work. They explained that they allowed work to proceed flexibly through consultation with colleagues. In particular, the company stated that after the employee's health difficulties were confirmed, they held several conversations to prioritize health and requested adjustments to the working situation by utilizing work stoppages, leaves, or leaves of absence. The company claims they continuously requested the employee to refrain from overworking to avoid health issues.

Kids Works also drew a line against the allegation that they obstructed an application for industrial accident compensation. The company stated that they prepared the insurer's opinion and the fact-finding report in accordance with the review procedures of the Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service, and that they faithfully recorded the facts they knew at the time. They emphasized that there is a clear difference between the claims delivered by the former employee after the fact and the facts identified by the company. As the statements of both sides diverge in the process of recognizing the industrial accident, interest in the specific facts and related procedures continues.

The agency also provided a separate explanation regarding criticisms of company management. Kids Works stated that it is currently reorganizing its management system under the advice of a certified labor attorney. Regarding software use, they explained that while some areas requiring supplementation were identified, they currently possess genuine licenses for all software and use them in accordance with copyright laws. They added that if any deficiencies are discovered in the future, they will correct and improve them responsibly.

Finally, Kids Works requested that people refrain from spreading additional false information or slandering individuals unrelated to the incident. They also issued a warning that if additional damage occurs, civil and criminal legal action may be taken to protect members. This is interpreted as a caution against the distribution of indiscriminate criticism toward those involved or unverified information as the controversy spreads.

Previously, former employee A, who worked with Hey Jini, raised issues regarding the labor environment, claiming to have suffered from panic disorder and depression due to long working hours and excessive workload. A revealed that the annual salary at the time was 20 million won, and that they had to work up to 16 hours a day and work on weekends and holidays without separate overtime pay. A also claimed that an industrial accident was recognized after about one year of conflict.

In response, Kids Works maintains a position different from A's claims, citing the salary increases, separate allowance payments, guaranteed work autonomy, and requests for work adjustments considering health status. Following Hey Jini's direct expression of her feelings and the company's continued specific rebuttals, the matter is expanding into a debate over the working environment and management responsibility beyond simple exposure and explanation. Above all, since whether labor exploitation occurred and the issues regarding the industrial accident cannot be determined solely by the claims of the parties involved, attention is focused on whether the reality of the controversy will be revealed through specific facts and objective judgment.

Read the original (Korean)