https://www.bizhankook.com/bk/article/28552
Nov 08 2024, 16:07:54 KST
[Biz Hankook] HYBE, the first entertainment company to reach the ranks of major corporations, is struggling. Various allegations have surfaced following the conflict with former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin. Recently, the 'Weekly Music Industry Report' shared by C-level executives, including Chairman Bang Si-hyuk, was revealed and is facing criticism. It was also put under scrutiny during the parliamentary audit. In this session, questions were raised about whether HYBE had covered up an employee's death from overwork.
On October 15, Kim Ju-young, HYBE's Chief Human Resources Officer, attends the parliamentary audit of the Environment and Labor Committee at the National Assembly as a witness, responding to lawmakers' questions. Photo by Park Eun-sook
On October 15, during the parliamentary audit, Representative Jung Hye-kyung (Progressive Party) raised suspicions of a cover-up of death from overwork, stating, "HYBE employees often work around the clock as the number of subsidiaries has greatly expanded, they have to simultaneously care for multiple idol groups, and especially manage overseas schedules at the same time." Representative Jung's office explained to Biz Hankook, "We understand that the issue of overwork is serious not only in HYBE but throughout the entertainment industry."
What was the work environment like at HYBE at that time? We present a Q&A interview with a current HYBE employee who has worked there for several years. To protect their identity, we will not disclose which label they currently belong to.
#Death from overwork? Many rumors inside
Q. On October 15, suspicions of 'covering up death from overwork' were raised during the parliamentary audit of the Environment and Labor Committee. It was alleged that in 2022, when HYBE's subsidiaries were greatly expanding, one employee died from overwork, but HYBE processed it as a pre-existing condition without applying for industrial accident compensation. Are you aware of this incident?
A. There were rumors circulating quietly within the company. I didn't personally know the deceased employee, but I heard about it. I first learned about it when I saw the 'personal condolence' notice. The term 'personal condolence' caught my attention. After that, rumors spread in the company. There were stories like "It happened due to overwork" and "Something happened in the nap room," and I remember there was even a related news article that appeared and then disappeared. After hearing these stories, I thought 'it's entirely possible.'
Q. Why did you think that?
A. Because I experienced it myself. It was when COVID was at its peak, and team members would say to each other, "I wish I'd catch COVID instead." It was that tough. This was during my time working at Big Hit. The work patterns were just unreasonable.
Q. Could you be more specific?