Heo Jin-i's feelings about labor exploitation controversy... "I faced it after 8 years"

Kidsworks Releases Second Statement, Refuting Claims of Salary Increases and Obstruction of Workers' CompensationHey Jini Directly Addresses Claims on Social MediaKid creator Hey Jini has once again explained the allegations of labor exploitation, stating, "I feel heavy-hearted and regretful." /THE FACT DB[THE FACT|Reporter Kim Saet-byeol] Kid creator Hey Jini (real name Kang Hye-jin) has directly addressed the allegations of labor exploitation by a former employee. Her agency, Kidsworks, also released a second statement to further clarify the situation.On the 3rd, Hey Jini posted on her social media, "I wish I could be remembered as a good person by everyone, but sometimes, for various reasons, that's not possible." She added, "It is deeply regrettable and heartbreaking to be facing this situation after 8 years with someone who once worked with me."Along with her personal statement, Kidsworks' second statement was also released, completely denying the allegations of labor exploitation, including poor treatment and obstruction of workers' compensation, raised by former employee A.Kidsworks stated that the employee's employment contract and wage payment records exist, explaining, "The annual salary in the employment contract was increased by 25% from when they were hired, and the salary was raised twice within a year." They also added that meal allowances and bonuses were paid separately in addition to the annual salary.Regarding work arrangements, the company claimed that they did not force any tasks and repeatedly requested adjustments through work suspension, leave, or sabbatical when health issues were identified.The company also denied obstructing the workers' compensation application. They stated that they prepared the subscriber's opinion and fact-finding report in accordance with the procedures of the Korea Workers' Compensation&Welfare Service and respected the workers' compensation application.Furthermore, they warned that legal action, both civil and criminal, could be taken if false information continues to be spread and personal slander unrelated to the case persists.Previously, former employee A, who worked with Hey Jini, claimed to have suffered from panic disorder and depression due to long working hours and excessive workload. They alleged that their annual salary was 20 million won, and they worked up to 16 hours a day without separate overtime pay, working on weekends and holidays, thus raising issues of labor exploitation.In response, Kidsworks, after initially denying the allegations, issued an additional statement to re-explain the company's position.The following is the full text of Hey Jini's statement.I wish I could be remembered as a good person by everyone, but sometimes, for various reasons, that's not possible. Nevertheless, I am well aware that there are people who continue to watch over my shortcomings.Through this incident, close acquaintances, many children who have watched me for a long time, their parents, and my fans have understood my feelings and expressed their sadness and concern. I feel heavy-hearted and regretful for causing worry. However, thanks to their support, I have been able to strive to maintain my composure. I sincerely thank you.I am also grateful to the employees who are currently working with me. Their steadfast dedication and silent work in this unstable situation, and their presence by my side, have allowed me to persevere.It is deeply regrettable and heartbreaking to be facing this situation after 8 years with someone who once worked with me. I want to believe that our time together was not entirely difficult. I sincerely wish for their recovery and a peaceful daily life.I believe that continuing my daily life diligently in my position and moving forward step by step with improvements is the way to repay my colleagues, family, and those who have supported me. I will repay you with the enjoyable and ordinary daily life that I have always strived for.Thank you once again to everyone who has worried and supported me.The following is the full statement from Kidsworks.Hello. This is Kidsworks.In addressing this matter, our company has prioritized the health and stability of our colleague above all else.Even when explanations from the company were necessary, we carefully considered the scope and wording of our statements to avoid causing further burden to our colleague through public responses. This is also why we refrained from disclosing personal conversations or health-related information.However, false information is being amplified and reproduced, severely damaging the reputation of our company and the individual involved. We will present the confirmed facts.Employment contracts and payment records signed by the colleague exist.The annual salary stipulated in the employment contract was increased by '25%' from the time of hiring. Our company paid the annual salary without issues based on the '9-year-old' wage system and increased the salary twice within 'about a year' (September 2017: 20 million won → January 2018: 21 million won → November 2018: 25 million won).In addition to the annual salary, meal allowances and bonuses were paid separately. The discrepancy in the amounts on the previously disclosed withholding tax receipts is due to factors such as leave periods. While we will not disclose the employment contract due to personal information, we will do so if it becomes unavoidable due to speculation and false information.We provided autonomy without imposing restrictions on work methods.We did not force tasks and flexibly managed work in discussion with the colleague.When health issues were identified, we repeatedly requested adjustments through work suspension or leave/sabbatical, prioritizing the colleague's health through extensive conversations.Our company has not obstructed the workers' compensation application.We respected the colleague's workers' compensation application, and our company did not obstruct the process.We diligently completed the subscriber's opinion and fact-finding report, providing all the facts known to us, in accordance with the review procedures of the Korea Workers' Compensation&Welfare Service.However, there is a clear difference in opinion compared to the colleague's claims, which were communicated later. This is because we consistently requested that they refrain from excessive work that could harm their health.Regarding the work done with the colleague:The colleague was introduced by an acquaintance and had a good relationship for 'about a year' before being hired. After being hired, we prepared for Chinese content and creator business together.At that time, due to the repercussions of the THAAD incident, restrictions on entering China continued for a long time. We discussed and worked on this with the colleague, but unfortunately, we were unable to achieve favorable results.Company's Improvement Efforts:Our company is constantly changing and growing.We are currently refining our management system with the advice of a certified labor attorney.Some areas requiring improvement in software usage have been identified, and we are now using all software with genuine licenses in compliance with copyright law.We will responsibly correct any identified shortcomings and diligently improve them in the future. In the course of this ongoing issue, our employees are also experiencing psychological and health difficulties.We hope that the health and privacy of both the individual involved and related parties will be respected. In particular, we ask that you refrain from spreading information with added falsehoods or from expanding the issue through personal slander unrelated to the case.We inform you that if additional damages arise from such actions, we will have no choice but to take legal action, both civil and criminal, to protect our employees. We sincerely wish for the colleague to recover their health and regain a peaceful daily life.Sincerely, Kidsworkssstar1204@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]