K-pop agency employees accuse chairman of demanding punishment waivers for unpaid wages

A group of former and current employees from K-pop agencies One Hundred Label, Big Planet Made Entertainment, and IN100 have publicly denounced chairman Cha Ga-won for alleged long-term wage arrears. The collective, identifying as the '3 Company Victim Employees Group,' issued a statement on the 16th accusing Cha, who also heads One Hundred Label and oversees the other two as subsidiaries, of demanding they sign waivers of punishment as a condition for receiving their unpaid wages.

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Chairman Cha's side is demanding the signing of a waiver of punishment in exchange for wage payment, mocking the victims.

The employees described this demand as a "mockery" of the victims. They are strongly urging for the "priority payment of wages" without any preconditions. The statement highlighted the stark contrast between the management's alleged opulent lifestyle, including driving expensive foreign cars, and the severe financial struggles faced by employees who have not received salaries for several months.

Furthermore, the group expressed strong dissatisfaction with the attitude of Cha Ga-won's legal representatives. The employees' statement implies that despite promises to resolve the situation, behind the scenes, demands for punishment waivers are being made, exacerbating the distress of those awaiting their due compensation.

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We strongly demand 'priority payment of wages.' While the signing of a waiver of punishment is being presented as a condition for wage payment, wage payment without any conditions must come first.

The situation underscores a significant labor dispute within the South Korean entertainment industry, where artists and staff often face precarious employment conditions. The employees' collective action aims to bring public attention to their plight and pressure the management to fulfill their financial obligations promptly and unconditionally.

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While the management enjoys a lavish life driving expensive foreign cars, employees have been suffering from extreme financial hardship for months without receiving wages.