Haejini, controversy over all employees' industrial accident denial statement... Allegations of labor exploitation

Kids creator Hey Jini (real name Kang Hyejin) clarified the allegations made by a former employee regarding industrial accidents and long working hours, but the former employee, Mr. A, issued a further rebuttal, continuing the disagreement between both parties. Mr. A refuted the company’s explanation through online communities, a statement of position, and various supporting documents, claiming there were inaccuracies. He stated that his starting annual salary was 20 million KRW and was raised once to 21 million KRW during his employment. He argued that the raise was only 5%, demanding the basis for the company’s claim of a 25% increase. He also asserted that he never worked from home during his tenure, frequently left work late due to repeated overtime, and that the company’s payment of taxi fares was due to long working hours. Mr. A explained that in mid-December 2018, he experienced repeated panic attacks that made normal work difficult, and the company initially proposed unpaid leave. On December 28 of the same year, he received 2,691,482 KRW, which included his December salary and a bonus. He added that the 2.2 million KRW bonus was an end-of-year bonus given to all employees, not a special support fund for him alone. He also stated that he continued to perform company duties even while hospitalized due to a fall accident. Regarding his resignation, he said he was told by Hey Jini’s husband, who was then a company director, ″It might be difficult to work together going forward,″ and agreed to resign under the condition of a recommended resignation so he could receive unemployment benefits. However, after the company consulted with a labor attorney, they decided to process it as a resignation due to illness, resulting in him not receiving unemployment benefits. Concerning the industrial accident claim, although the company said it introduced an external labor attorney to assist, Mr. A said he was offered the introduction but did not actually apply for the industrial accident through that attorney. He revealed that in January 2020, his panic disorder and depression were recognized as industrial accidents and disclosed related documents such as the notice of medical care and insurance benefits from the Korea Workers’ Compensation & Welfare Service. Hey Jini’s side stated that from September 2017 to December 2018, Mr. A was paid according to the wage system, with a 25% salary increase afterward, and that separate bonuses were paid during his leave period. They also explained that work content and procedures were decided in consultation with employees, granting autonomy such as flexible working hours and remote work, and that they assisted with the industrial accident claim process by introducing an external certified labor attorney. They acknowledged supporting the rental deposit for housing near the company and encouraging leave. Meanwhile, another former employee, Mr. B, raised labor environment issues, including lack of guaranteed compensatory leave for weekend and holiday work, unpaid overtime due to a comprehensive wage system, pressure when using taxis after overtime, and creating anxiety among employees who expressed intentions to resign. As recordings of phone calls between Hey Jini and former employee Mr. A were released, controversy continued over remarks related to denying the industrial accident claim. In the recording, when Mr. A asked if the company submitted a statement opposing the industrial accident claim, Hey Jini answered, ″Yes.″ Mr. A stated that his health deteriorated after that call.