“20 million won a year, up to 16 hours of work a day ... work-related injury recognized”: Former Hey Jini employee’s exposé sparks controversy

[Financial News] A former employee of children’s content creator Hey Jini (36, real name Kang Hye-jin) has sparked controversy by alleging that they were recognized as having suffered a work-related injury after excessive workloads, including working up to 16 hours a day for an annual salary of 20 million won.

Recently, an online community post appeared from A, a former employee and friend of Hey Jini.
A claimed that they developed panic disorder from working long hours, are receiving treatment at a university hospital, and were recognized as having suffered a work-related injury.
A, a longtime friend of Hey Jini, said that in 2016 Hey Jini offered to have them work together as a creator for a Chinese-language channel.
A claimed that after joining the company, they worked as a regular employee rather than as a creator and handled all the work related to the Chinese-language channel on their own, including writing and translating video scripts, recruiting voice actors, directing dubbing, and editing and uploading videos.
A disclosed that their annual salary was set at 20 million won and later raised to 21 million won, but they worked up to 16 hours a day without any additional allowances. They added that they had to work overtime until the early hours every day, worked weekends at least five times a month, and were unable to take time off even during holiday periods.
A said that in November 2018, while under stress from an excessive workload, they had difficulty breathing while working overtime and had to go to the emergency room, where they were diagnosed with panic disorder, depression, social anxiety, and other conditions.
A said the company’s attitude changed during the process of applying for workers’ compensation. The company initially said it would help, but later submitted a statement to the Korea Workers’ Compensation and Welfare Service denying a relationship between the work and the illness. A also claimed that Hey Jini proposed that they not apply for workers’ compensation in exchange for a payment of 4 million won.
A was recognized as having suffered a work-related injury in 2020, but their condition worsened to the point that they contemplated suicide in April that year. They are reportedly still receiving treatment.

On the fact that Hey Jini had been introduced on a variety show as “a boss who doesn’t make employees work overtime,” A said, “I was furious because the time when I attempted suicide overlapped with the time the show aired. A portrayal so different from my experience was broadcast.”
A concluded, “I’m not writing this to criticize or attack any particular person. I’m writing to make known the working conditions I experienced firsthand, the process of applying for workers’ compensation, and what I went through along the way.”
Hey Jini is a kids’ YouTuber with 4.13 million subscribers. Hey Jini also runs “Hyejinss,” where personal updates are posted. Hey Jini married in 2018 and has one son and one daughter.
[email protected] An Ga-eul Reporter