The so-called “Idol Union,” formed to protect the rights and welfare of idols and other pop culture artists, is expected to launch as early as this year. Once established, the union plans to focus on improving labor conditions and strengthening systems for psychological and human rights protection. Many are watching to see if this could mark a turning point in the labor environment of the entertainment industry.
According to the Idol Union Preparatory Committee, on November 6, the group submitted its establishment report to the Seongnam branch of the Ministry of Employment and Labor in September. It then filed additional documents last month as requested by the ministry to further prove the artists’ status as workers. The committee anticipates official approval for the union’s formation as early as this month.
Seo Min Sun, a research committee member at the Democratic Party’s Youth Policy Institute who oversees overall preparation and public communication for the union, said, “Currently, around 10 individuals, including active singers, have joined.”
On the same day, the committee also sent a request to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) calling for an investigation into the mental health management and response systems against malicious comments targeting idols and other pop culture artists, as well as institutional improvements.
In the document, the committee urged the government to examine whether agencies are appropriately handling legal action, deletion requests, and lawsuit support when artists face malicious online comments, depending on the victims’ needs. They also requested an investigation into whether agencies have and operate mental health management manuals, and if specific measures such as notifying guardians, connecting to medical services, and maintaining counseling records are properly implemented. The committee called for the establishment of a standardized mental health manual by the MCST if existing ones are merely nominal.
The statement also highlighted ongoing workplace risks: “Idol workers frequently suffer from musculoskeletal disorders, overwork, and mental illness due to prolonged practice, filming, and overseas activities. Some agencies excessively control personal matters such as dating, medical records, and external communication, leading to psychological isolation.” The committee stressed the urgent need for a mental health crisis response manual.
Additionally, it pointed out that the current MCST standard exclusive contract defines artists as “individuals providing work-for-hire services,” making it difficult to apply laws such as the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act and the Serious Accidents Punishment Act.
The committee argued, “In reality, idols provide labor under the direction and supervision of their agencies at designated places such as studios and dormitories, following fixed schedules and receiving ongoing payments in the form of settlements. Therefore, they should be recognized as workers under the Labor Standards Act.” It urged the ministry to establish detailed interpretive guidelines reflecting this reality.
On the same day, the committee also filed a petition with the Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Office to revoke HYBE’s “Excellent Company” certification and submitted an appeal to the Korea Copyright Protection Agency calling for stronger enforcement of psychological support manuals and human rights protections across the industry.
The committee concluded, “Because idols are not legally recognized as employees, they remain excluded from industrial accident compensation, four major insurances, and workplace harassment protections. We are also considering filing a complaint over suspicions that some agencies concealed idol deaths by failing to report them to the labor ministry.”
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