‘Workplace bullying controversy’ Midam Scholarship Association to operate six Seoul youth centers with 15.5 billion won budget

A troubling situation has emerged regarding the operation of Seoul's youth centers, with the Midam Scholarship Association, an organization previously embroiled in workplace bullying allegations, now being entrusted with managing six new centers. This decision, particularly the awarding of the contract for the Seoul Jung-gu Youth Center, raises serious questions about the vetting process and the city's commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment for young people and its employees.

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When we inquired about disqualifying factors during the selection process, we could not confirm any official violations. We learned about the Mapo Youth Center issue through media reports, and we provided a standard employment contract, stipulating that the agreement could be terminated in case of a significant violation.

The allegations against the Midam Scholarship Association are particularly concerning. Reports indicate that employees at the Mapo Youth Center, another facility managed by the association, were pressured to sign employment contracts containing clauses like 'only one chance to object' and 'serve with a spirit of humble submission.' When these demands were refused, employees reported experiencing workplace bullying. The Seoul Regional Labor Office has reportedly launched an investigation into these claims, adding a layer of official scrutiny to the association's practices.

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Midam Scholarship Association is a politically completely neutral organization. Many of the allegations raised at the Mapo Youth Center are false or exaggerated. We have received legal advice that there are no issues with the employment contract.

Adding to the complexity are the reported political affiliations of individuals associated with the Midam Scholarship Association. The founder, Jang Neung-in, has a background in youth politics, having served on the Presidential Transition Committee and as a spokesperson for a People Power Party candidate. While Jang insists the association is politically neutral and disputes the bullying claims, the timing and nature of these revelations, coupled with the ongoing investigation and the awarding of new contracts, create an environment ripe for public concern. From our perspective at Hankyoreh, ensuring transparency and accountability in the allocation of public funds and the operation of public services is paramount, especially when dealing with organizations facing such serious allegations.

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The fact that the public sector failed to screen out a problematic organization and selected it as a contractor is a serious issue.