“They let me take a month off without using annual leave” ... A current employee’s lengthy post amid the Hey Jini controversy

[Financial News] As well-known children’s content creator Hey Jini (real name Kang Hye-jin) and her agency, Kidsworks, come under fire following allegations by a former employee of labor exploitation and interference with a workers’ compensation claim, the dispute over what happened is intensifying, with the company issuing rebuttals and a current employee offering supportive testimony.
The controversy erupted recently after a former Kidsworks employee, identified as A, posted in an online community alleging that they had been mistreated while working there. A said they earned an annual salary of around 20 million won when she joined and endured long working hours without separate overtime pay, which they claimed led to depression and panic disorder. They also alleged that when they tried to file a workers’ compensation claim for their conditions, the company offered them 4 million won in settlement money in an attempt to stop them from filing.

As the repercussions spread, Kidsworks issued its second official statement on the 3rd and categorically denied the allegations.
Kidsworks said, “We raised the annual salary from 20 million won at the time of hiring to 25 million won through two increases over a little more than a year, and provided meal allowances and bonuses separately.” It added, “The discrepancies in the withholding tax receipts reflect factors such as periods of leave at the time.”
Addressing allegations that it obstructed a workers’ compensation claim, the company also said, “After becoming aware of the employee’s health problems, we first recommended rest and a leave of absence. Respecting the employee’s intention to file a workers’ compensation claim, we connected them with an external certified labor consultant and helped them receive a consultation and guidance on the process directly.” It warned that it would take legal action over the spread of false information and malicious attacks.
Hey Jini also shared her feelings on social media that day, saying, “It is deeply regrettable and heartbreaking to come face to face like this, eight years later, with a colleague I once worked with.” She added, “I sincerely hope they recover their health and enjoy a peaceful daily life.”

Against this backdrop, a current employee who said they had worked at Kidsworks for years posted a lengthy comment on Hey Jini’s social media statement, backing the company’s account.
The employee, who described themselves as a long-serving worker with several years at the company, wrote, “The reason I was able to stay for so long at my first workplace was that I liked the people I worked with.” They added, “If overtime was expected, the CEO let us know in advance, and if we had to leave late, the company showed consideration by covering taxi fares or letting us start later the next day.” They also said schedules were adjusted by giving employees weekdays off in lieu when weekend or late-night shoots took place.
Regarding the former employee’s claim that their right to rest had been violated, the worker said, “During a time when I was exhausted and struggling, I was given a month of paid leave without any deduction from my annual leave, so I could take a break.” They added, “When I read the former employee’s post saying it had been difficult to take time off, it felt unfamiliar because it was so different from the work environment I experienced firsthand.”
However, the employee said, “This is an opinion based on my personal experience, since I don’t know every employee’s situation.” They added, “People may have different memories and perspectives, but I wrote the post because I felt it did not fully reflect the company as I experienced it.”
With the former employee’s claims of mistreatment, the company’s presentation of supporting evidence, and a current employee’s conflicting account all in the mix, online debate over the two sides’ claims continues.
[email protected] Moon Young-jin Reporter