Five K-pop associations criticize underage law revisions
Concerns about the protection of underage idols have been increasing among K-pop fans and Korean netizens recently.
This concern follows the start of a “trend” in entertainment companies that seem to be launching young idols more than ever.
consequently, South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism recently announced that a new amendment to the “Folk Culture and Arts Industry Development Law” was passed in a plenary session.
The bill will require entertainment companies to disclose details of their earnings to their celebrities at least once a year and whenever the entertainer requests it.
Second, working time limits for underage artists have been lowered. Third, activities that violate the educational rights of underage artists, such as such as missing school or dropping out of school, are now banned.
Fourth, acts that endanger the health of underage idols are now prohibited.
Finally, authorities are now required to appoint an employee as a “Child Protection Officer” who is responsible for protecting the health of underage idols.
However, five associations of Korea’s pop culture industry issued a statement on May 16 calling for the removal of the clause on tightening working time regulations for underage celebrities from the new law.
The Korea Entertainment Producer’s Association, Corea Entertainment Management Association, Recording Industry Association of Korea, Record Label Industry Association of Korea and Korea Music Content Association stated:
“The overhaul limits the working hours of teenage celebrities by dividing age limits, which misses the point. The The bill will weaken competition and prevent the pop culture industry from moving forward.
The five organizations state that they have always adhered to the limitations of the previous law on working hours for under-15s, but these additional regulations could create problems.
« Additional regulations are unnecessary and restrict the activities of idol groups composed of members of different ages. This will weaken the competitiveness of the pop culture industry. »
“It’s unfair that students [non-célébrités] can study late into the night, but teens who want to be global pop artists aren’t allowed to pursue the activities they want“, the press release continues.
The five organizations are currently calling for the relevant age restriction clause to be removed and for a discussion with the industry on other clauses.
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