South Korea Declares K-Pop Stars Are Not Legally Workers

The labor ministry dismisses workplace harassment claims against NewJeans' Hanni, citing her status as an independent contractor under current labor laws.

South Korea's Ministry of Employment and Labor closed its investigation into workplace harassment claims filed on behalf of NewJeans' Hanni, ruling she is not classified as a worker under the Labor Standards Act.
The ministry stated that Hanni's management contract defines her as an independent contractor, with income based on profit-sharing rather than wages, and lacking fixed working hours or direct supervision.
Hanni testified before the National Assembly in October, alleging mistreatment by her label ADOR, including being ignored and undermined by management and other staff.
The decision has reignited calls for reform in South Korea's entertainment industry, where K-pop idols face intense schedules and limited legal protections for their working conditions.
Fans of NewJeans have rallied online using the hashtag 'IdolsAreWorkers,' urging the government to address systemic issues in the treatment of entertainers.