No More Overworked Minors in K-Pop? South Korea Sets Up A Protective Policy

[@Purple_waves]

Dropping out of school for a career that has a very low chance success, being under weight, not getting enough sleep, being pressured to get cosmetic procedures etc. are all things that should never have been permitted in the first place. Better late than never.

[@rubberbandman097]

stop trying to colonize the world with ur western ideas

[@bexeila]

I do worry about the wording of the laws. The company can't "compromise the well-being" of underage trainees or idols but how can a child prove legally that they were pressured into weight loss or cosmetic surgery? I imagine most of those conversations happen in private. It just seems so easy to deny.

[@tubby_1278]

Are you their mom? Lol Korean kids are already robbed of their livlihoods as soon as they're able to go to school anyway. Let their parents worry bout them instead

[@mattgab19]

@@bexeilaIf these were criminal proceedings, yes it would likely be difficult to prove beyond a reasonable doubt. However, if these complaints would be filed in civil court, they only need to demonstrate that it was more likely than not that the company pressured them to lose weight and they would compensate the idol. Edit: Of course, assuming they basically have the same courts that we do in the US.

[@demonslayer4951]

I witnessed that drop out highschool kids has less IQ & commonsense than those who learn forcefully by school pressure.

[@JENNIEfreakinKIM]

I totally agree. These young idols shouldn’t have to choose between school or being an idol.

[@K-Blink_K.K143]

Yeah I mean being stuck in both studies,homework,exam and comebacks,filming,travel,and being exhausted womt be easy

[@mirnaguix8284]

If u don't understand it says "no more overworked minor idols" not "no more minors"

[@AnHuynh01101]

Western people only care about Eastern people problems but they totally forget about their own problems. Disney is the biggest company which is using child labor and it is Western country. SM, YG, JYP and Hybe only learn it from Disney.

[@poptopics1772]

​@@mirnaguix8284They were not referring to that, they clearly referred that they agreed with the new law regarding minor's work in K-pop.

[@cvyyjg]

​@@K-Blink_K.K143 True they'll eventually be forced to chose between school life and idol life regardless even if its not directly forced by the label. Unless they're himeschooled or something.

[@eunchae_159]

guys, for the people who think the title says “no more minors” it’s “no more overworked minors” that doesn’t mean minors aren’t going to exist in kpop anymore it means the minors aren’t going to be overworked anymore.

[@evilwelshman]

_IF_ (and this is a big "if") the new laws and regulations work as intended. As mentioned, they're pretty toothless since it sounds like companies are able to choose to comply or not. Additionally, we've yet to see what creative loopholes they inevitably come up with. Already, they're floating the notion/excuse that trainees/idols practicing late into the night are actually doing it at their own accord, rather than it being formally recognised scheduled activity. I can see them coming up with other shenanigans to apply creative accounting to work around limits and/or to have more under-the-table activity.

[@elangeleelangele204]

At the end every government needs their youngsters energy to build whatever they want to build youth has power more than anybody would imagine

[@AnHuynh01101]

I don’t think Korea will do anything about this. As I know so far that, KPop is a gold mine and helps them spread the Korea culture to the world better than anything else. The government will do nothing to harm the entertainment companies.

[@eunchae_159]

@@evilwelshman true but what if like a 5yr old debuted- i think they would be a minor junior-

[@eunchae_159]

@@AnHuynh01101 korea needs to sort itself out

[@huydinh7506]

Momo was around 17 or 18 when she was told she needed to lose 15 pounds in a week. I don't care how you spin it or the success she's had since then, that's horrific.

[@seungwoolee7428]

Poor momo she doesn’t deserve to be scared for her life because she had to look "lose weight" to debut. 😔

[@adileneolivares6777]

ALL of the problems that these managers brought up can easily be solved 1. Not debuting children and 2. Giving adults good working conditions as well. It's so annoying how they act like these problems can't be solved.

[@QrincessQri]

God… did y’all hear about that one MINOR male trainee that had grown women showing up to his school as it dismissed? His friends basically formed a circle around him as they escorted him to his ride. The entire time you had this GROWN woman recording him and trying to shove her phone in his face, so his friends whipped their phones out and started recording the stalker/creep in return. This infuriated her and she had the audacity to scold them as if they were in the wrong.

[@deltaangel2480]

That sounds really horrible 😨

[@baoziday5178]

Yeah, I remember that video, it was so gross. Ma'am was literally in her 20s and the kid looked 10 or 11, I don't understand people being so creepy...

[@IpenFanGirl]

mhm but that was a chinese male trainee it does not apply to this law

[@deltaangel2480]

@@baoziday5178 There are many people like that who are fans of these minor idols and they are really gross. It creeps me out to even think of such people.

[@baoziday5178]

@@IpenFanGirl We know but it definitely does not make it any less creepy or weird

[@JaaquanSanDiego]

Why do I feel like some companies is going to extort some type of loophole? I hope this law is significantly broad and protects minor trainees is all degrees, not just Korean trainees.

[@riveteran_ndg]

It only applies to companies in Seoul! Some of them might move their headquarters and/or training buildings right outside the city (like to Gyeonggi-do or Incheon). 🫣

[@JaaquanSanDiego]

@@riveteran_ndgThere's always something. Until their government overly enforces these laws, ppl are always gonna find a way around it

[@daisy-lz8zg]

25 -30 hours a week is still alot . That is the regular work week of an adult. So I would like to know that is , if they are to train 7 hours a day what hours are used for school? It's still over working them

[@Shay45]

A regular adult works 40 hours a week. 40 hours = full time 20 hours = part time

[@kerstingravel8160]

It’s true, that’s definitely too much. How can’t they be overworked when they are still going to school?

[@Jessi-44]

I agree. 25 to 30 hours is over the threshold of what is considered to be part-time. In my country we call that partial full-time work.

[@inferiorinferno8859]

As someone who had to drop out of school because of my (at the time) untreated PTSD that caused a psychotic depression, any kid in the comment section saying they are willing to accept the risks is delusional and showing their lack of comprehending long-term consequences and ability to think things through, which is logical considering you are kids who's brains aren't fully developped yet. My country thankfully has two online community colleges that accepts drop outs, does S.Korea have those?

[@mysteriogaming478]

Just don’t debut minors until they are 18 or 19 of age if they debut at that age then that’s completely fine just don’t debut them at 12 13 14 16 or 17 cuss education is more important take RIIZE for example they all debuted at 18 19 22 and 21 of age and also another group called one pact the youngest of that group is 19 and the others are 22 and 23 of age and I think that is the perfect age to debut an idol group

[@Kim-0-0]

No, some of us actually don't mind debuting as a teen, please let us follow our dreams, we know the risks and are willing to take it!!

[@gab0l]

​@@Kim-0-0you're not fully developed yet kid, YOU ACTUALLY DON'T KNOW THE RISKS

[@celestialclouds11]

@@Kim-0-0thats what you think as a normal citizen, but i bet you if you actually debuted your answer would be different. i think at that age (13,14) its already extremely difficult to train and the pressure of having to maintain your position and the fact that you could be sacked at any time. while i truly believe you genuienly think that you would be ready, its extremely vital to grow and just be an adolescent doing adolescent things. when you grow up, you will view your past self as extremely young and incompetent in a way. i know i did. i thought i was the most mature person and was determened, but looking back i would definitely not be able to handle something like that. its about stress also. once you debut, your stress levels will plummet even higher.

[@ARP_1922]

@@Kim-0-0 you shouldn't have to choose between education and idol life. Keep in mind that most idols only last until their mid 30's, and then... what? Without a proper education, they are left alone "in the wild" without any real possibility to find a proper job. That's horrible. In most countries, basic education is mandatory for a reason.

[@ItzSwiftie_13]

​@@Kim-0-0I agree with you, I also have dreams as an idol. But if you debuted as a teenager. Possibly, the company will overwork you. But for now, focus on studies. Then during or after, you can be train as a kpop idol. And maybe you'll debut at 18-21

[@yasminchan7425]

People really don't understand ANYTHING, the problem is that they're even allowed to debut in the first place, you want to actually protect minors? Don't debut them, don't make them work a full time job no matter how much you "protect" them in the industry, the industry will still take a toll on their mental health and take their childhood away

[@ArtIsDrawing]

How about you start with family vloggers first?

[@nicatina]

​isn't that what we're all doing here? It called multitasking! We're solving one issues at a time. @@ArtIsDrawing

[@pico2260]

Nice. Now let's wait and see how it will be implemented.

[@homura_chan_]

can’t they just wait until they’re adults?

[@justinnyugen7015]

from a business standpoint companies want to start making money as soon as possible to get back their investment, rather risk 5-10 years more of investment (training, expenses) but yeah, it sucks

[@BeMyArt]

Bullshit. Start training late. It's not the reason. There's no not perverted reason​@@justinnyugen7015

[@Vgudorf]

The problem is the exploitation of UNDERAGE idols, meaning CHILDREN. There’s no excuse for exploiting children, especially when odds of debuting are not in their favor. These kids can literally have their futures robbed from them by greedy companies before they have even begun. In a country that has extremely exacting standards for how one can achieve success, not hewing to that standard is just too fraught with risks. South Korea cannot afford to casually discard such a precious thing as its children, especially given the fact that there are fewer and fewer of them each year. The punishment for companies that do so should be high.

[@ceci9933]

Tbh not debuting minors at all anymore would be fine as well. 😭this law is very basic, but I appreciate it

[@wHiPpEdFoRJeOnJuNgKoOk]

Education must come first for minors, their careers as idols is secondary and should not start until they are at least 17+ because the industry is too pressured and can be particularly exploitative for them

[@SA-zf4yx]

Lim Seowon waiting to debut next month with UNIS be like 👁👄👁

[@mirnaguix8284]

U got it all wrong aswell as others the title means "no more overworked minor idols" not " no more minors"

[@SA-zf4yx]

​@@mirnaguix8284I'm pretty sure I've watched the same video as you have. I'm just taking a jab at the fact that SK or Seoul ig will continue to debut minors and will do virtually nothing to protect them. Even with this new law (which was already passed a year ago) minors can still work 6 hrs a day (after school), go unprotected from sasaengs, be forced to diet and have plastic surgery. This new policy won't change anything, let alone stop companies from debuting minors

[@winniejung]

companies are gonna work their way around this they DO NOT CARE!

[@happiness1st]

ABOUT TIME!!!!🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄 THE GOVERNMENT NEED TO SHUT THE COMPANIES DOWN OR FINE THEM IF THEY DON'T ABIDE BY THE RULES AND LAWS!!

[@enha_jay]

Why to shut down the companies? It's the most important source of income for so many people what are you talking about and you don't have to worry that's why government is formed there and they know what to do:)

[@yesthatmousyiris4887]

Thank God minor kpop idols need to be protected given how corrupted the system is.

[@evilwelshman]

From the sound of it, the new laws and regulations are essentially toothless since it sounds like companies are able to choose whether they comply with them or not. IMO there should at least be fines attached to the breaches, with companies' licenses potentially being at risk for repeated offenses. Additionally, rather than forbidding companies from "forcing" young idols and trainees from missing schools, I think it would make more sense to penalise companies if the idol/trainee's school attendance drops below a certain threshold or set a maximum number of days students can miss school for extra-curricular activities (which could apply for sports, etc as well). Also, 35-hours a week is crazy since that's just shy of a full-time job; for people meant to also be attending school!

[@Sifirela]

This sounds like good news (note I put sounds because laws can have loopholes that don't exactly do what they're built to do). I also hope that SK will take into consideration on protecting their youth and not build so much pressure in school as well. That can ruin a young person's psyche as well.

[@ondaswife]

or maybe we should just stop debuting minors, you dont need a 14 yr old member in a group to be successful, bp is a perfect example of that

[@ArtIsDrawing]

What about family vloggers that exploit their children?

[@slaystinn]

If I have to be honest, I think you either go to school to do your education or you train as a trainee. It's extremely difficult to maintain a normal life in school and an idol life of constant training. At this point, it's better to just start training and auditioning after graduation at this point. Training is just like going to another school. It's as physically and mentally exhausting as going to school studying and revising for exams but more physically exhausting. There will be vocal training, dance training, solo assessments, group assessments, learning another language with more assessments, monthly evaluations, exercising and dieting as well as competition with other trainees like its not easy than you think and to add school is even more stressful.

[@SeikiRikodou]

"'Its usually the trainees who devote all their time to practicing because they want to, for their future" I mean its not farfetch for idols to say that but my senses are telling me that his is GIGA LEVELS OF BS coming from a manager LMAO XD

[@nicatina]

I get wanting to achieve at an early age, but why go through that only to learn your career flop? At this point, you should be become an idol when you graduated from high school such as 16 to 18 or after you graduated from college. Let be better than the West y'all.

[@anna_pham]

Also, shame on the parents for allowing their underaged daughters/sons to enter the messy show business.

[@Dayan_D]

Do you guys really think companies gonna follow these policies. Its really hard to policing these types of laws. Its really easy to find loopholes if you have good legal teams and resources which these companies have

[@PinterestVlogs]

Agree ❤

[@sailorkeyblader]

Maybe sign older artists who were training on their own or were dropped by other companies

[@luizpaulo5472]

in a perfect planet, this is how it would be: idol training starts when they are 18. They practice until their 20s, and only then, the debut happens. Simple, logical and obvious. They don’t need ten thousand years of training. No one should care if an idol is “old”, they will deliver just the same. Jesus, Korea…..wake up and stop being a b***!!! 😂

[@bennu547]

Or they can just go to a school that has idol training. Like instead of going to gym class, you go to dance practice. So you’re still training but you’re also not ignoring school. I forget what kind of school that’s called though. Something centred around arts training but it’s still a traditional school. Then you could join an agency to train under them and debut when you graduate

[@luizpaulo5472]

I really think the idol profession should be treated as a regular one, that's why I mentioned the "18yo situation". Even the idols know it's a big pressure, so to put it simple, if they're gonna be an idol, wait until you're an adult to make such decision. I think to put it inside de regular school teaching would be just a sugarcoat act (but again, this is my humble opinion)@@bennu547

[@CARL_093]

I agree on this

[@muntaha681]

I do not think minors should even debut. This is the age where parents need to take care of their babies, launching them in to a stressful work environment and being exposed to so many different kind of people, if I was a parent I would be really concerned.

[@lilaroxary2686]

In my opinion, the companies should not cast trainees younger than 18. They should need to finish high school first, then audition.

[@erikad0511]

There's almost 4800 agencies!?!😲 Thats alotta young people...these developing laws are definitely necessary, especially anything regarding mental health

[@ioxemi]

I mean, it's an improvement but I cant help thinking the agencies may just move from Seoul to avoid the restrictions... Though it may be my pessimistic side talking

[@kasia3582]

Not sure why this is an unpopular opinion in kpop but there shouldn't be any minor idols period. There's no need. If an idol is talented at 15 they'll still be talented at 18. Give their brains a chance to fully understand what it means to be an idol and make a decision that will affect them for the rest of their lives

[@R0VERKAI]

They just need to prohibit underage idols to debut. That'll solve all the problems. If they debut under 18, they can't keep up with their studies at all. Because being an idol will become their full-time job and they won't get to breath in their hectic schedules after debut.

[@iamandreasilva]

7:45 yeah thats also true, like sure they might be under a contract but at the end of the days many idols have confesed that they were the ones to ultimately push themselves to their limits to debut

[@SBBunny93]

Why not just debut adults? Like let kids be kids and train but debut them when they graduate or become of legal age. Would nip the issue right in the butt. I don’t know why this even has to be an argument. Like QUIT RIGGING CHILD LABOR.

[@baoziday5178]

There's actually a story where an ex-employee of a company admitted that a trainee died in a practice room because they had been starving themselves. They never named the company but so many people thought it was SM... 💀

[@K-POPSTORIES]

The rules around childeren in the k pop Industry need be strict! children should go to school and play freely.

[@Jessi-44]

The end goal honestly should be age-capping newly debuted idols to 17-18 but this bill is a good start. Debuting teens younger than that is just unacceptable.

[@TheCutestChris18]

It's a step in the right direction but there are still loopholes in this. They may not force idol minors for surgery or weight loss but idol trainee's know what the previous standards are and will put pressure on themselves and not the comapny itself. I don't think companies are going to encourage them to eat more either. The company may not force idols to do certain practices but they can still not debut someone because xyz without saying anything.

[@lilimaze4792]

If it is only for seoul, they can just move the office to other location and the law doesn't apply anymore?

[@vashyronresonance5915]

*Then blame their parents at the first place!* 🤷

[@elainelat8067]

Props to the Korean govt but this has been long overdue. Of course, they had to pass it since idols are getting younger and younger. While I did watch a certain survival show that formed the girl group UNIS which is yet to officially debut, I have to wonder what will happen since the youngest just turned 14 years old a few days ago and the majority are under the age of 18. It's a temporary group with a 2-year contract and I have to wonder if the company is truly looking out for those girls.

[@erinlee5936]

I don't know why it's taking the government awhile to enforce the Lee Seunggi law. It should have been enforced as soon as the law was passed. The legal age of debut should be raised to 18 years old or 20 years old. Isn't it literally illegal for minors to work? Child labor is a form of slave labor. These kids should be given the time to enjoy their childhood and to develop into emotionally/mentally mature adults. How many idols have suffered from mental health issues because they debuted at a very young age? Some of them are emotionally stunted because they never got the chance to experience a normal childhood. The law should be enforced so that they can at least live a normal life and have different experiences before they start working.

[@crystalsnow1138]

Illegal for minors to work? Maybe over a certain amount of hours, but minors can still work.

[@Marie_1510]

In my opinion, minors shouldn’t debut at all. Not even becoming a trainee in their teenage years. Irene from RV is a great example: She became a Trainee at the age of 20 or 21, I believe, so, she was an adult and finished school. I don’t even know why some parents allow their teenage children to become a Trainee and maybe later an Idol especially if they live outside of Korea, because mostly the family doesn’t go to Korea with their child together so they end up alone in a foreign country at maybe the age 12-14 (or younger/older). I think it should be illegal to debut minors and even to become a trainee when you’re underaged. I’d say that the ideal age for idols to debut would be 21 at the earliest, because actually the human brain develops until the age of 25. And also I think it’d be better if K-Pop idols had a normal weight and wouldn’t be underweight, because if the fans always see underweight idols, it becomes “normal” for them and then people who have a normal weight look “fat” (or at least that happened in my case), even though they aren’t. Also when Idols leave the industry they most likely have an eating disorder and the underweight can have a big impact on the Idols afterwards. For example females can become infertile and if the idols wanted to have children, it could be a problem

[@silocons20]

Irene debuted at 23 yrs old after being a trainee for 6 years. Hard to really use Red Velvet as a good example coz they also debuted Yeri too young. But then again, she was already a 7 yr trainee then and would have left SM if didnt get added to RV

[@Marie_1510]

@@P1eceStormyHDYou’re right, I didn’t really think of male idols, I’m sorry! Of course it isn’t “fair” when the group is on pause for a long amount of time, because every member has to do military service. Male idols (but of course female idols as well) could also debut in their 30s, because age isn’t that relevant for male idols in the community, I believe, except for too young idols, of course. Even for female idols it shouldn’t be that big of a topic, only if they’re too young. I don’t think it’d be good to “free” male idols from military service because then almost everybody would try to become an idol to avoid military service.

[@Marie_1510]

@@silocons20Yeah you’re right, I didn’t exactly know when Irene debuted (at what age) and I also didn’t know that she’d been a trainee for 6 years at that time. It’s a better age, in my opinion, but it’s still too young. The best age for becoming a trainee should be 20 at the earliest, I think.

[@user-bg9pd2sy7c]

THEY SHOULD HAVE DONE THIS SINCE THE STARTT!! It shouldnt just be minors. ALL KPOP IDOLS should not be overworked.

[@pizza4647]

Oh daisy was a former trainee at JYP before MLD. Maybe she was talking about JYP since they have a ranking system for trainees over there. I think one other idol mentioned when she was a trainee she never got to be in the top 10 but luckily JYP was still able to debut her later on when one debutant dropped out at the last minute.. Well hu knows? maybe other agencies to that as well..

[@amnasalman3960]

To be honest the companies should also let adults debut like some time they don't accept trainees who are older

[@Liz_Lizille]

It's about time. They shouldn't be over worked.

[@Idkmanjustgowithit]

I still don't understand the working hours rule. There's literally no way companies are following that. Do you even know how many hours idols have to work during their first promotion week each comeback? These idols are working 10+ hour days 7 days a week during a new release and it's physically impossible to keep these hours under 30 simply based off how music shows are run not to mention the other interviews, variety shows, radio shows, and other content they create.

[@soy_zyo]

Good news but this should've happened years ago. It's kinda late now 'cause we know how many young KIDS have experienced this toxic training system. You throw your studies and childhood trash can and u usually don't debut!

[@michaelvandecoevering6635]

The easiest way for the companies to comply with the new laws is to turn their trainee programs into private schools where students have to audition to enter. This way they won't have to spend time or money taking trainees to and from school because training and school would be in the same building.

[@tracyhanukkah5978]

Agree❤❤❤

[@elinatiah]

finally I have been waiting it is okay to go for your dream young but the kpop idursty isn’t a healthy place

[@inazumaeleven6413]

The simple answer is to stop debuting literal children

[@mirnaguix8284]

No u got it all wrong the title says "no more overworked minors" not "no more minor idols"

[@inazumaeleven6413]

​@@mirnaguix8284if you want kids to debut, just say that dude

[@yanzkie2781]

Small companies are for sure the most affected by this cuz they have a small resources unlike big company. This is a good step actually.

[@chocolate_loverr7328]

These companies don’t care about the idols well being they only care about milking as much money as they want from them. These managers coming forward are sad. They’re making excuses for the companies to over work and exploit minors when in reality they know that these idols and trainees want a break but they’re scared to speak up. The law should’ve also prevented any minor that’s not in high school from debuting but I know that would be complicated since they have child actors.

[@casualsuede]

This is a no brainer. It happens in the usa with child actors where they have a max number of hours they can work and a minimum amount of downtime in between days. And don't listen to anyone working in the industry. They aren't speaking for the benefit of the trainee, but for their companies benefit. These are arguments companies would use during the industrialization period in the early 20th century when unions began to form to protect workers from exploitation.

[@Hmble_garby]

Can't the companies just let them debut at the age of 19 or 20,Some adults want to be idols, but they can't because K-pop companies picks just minors Over adults ,minors in kpop must be stopped, 😒 😑

[@elesel9919]

Hey KOOKIELIT, In this video you have made a good exposition of the issue, it is a good journalistic article, congrats and thank you! 👍❤

[@anygirlwilldo]

didnt they say that before??

[@ARP_1922]

But it was never put into an actual law until now. There were talks in the past about this matter, but not real action.

[@sensoine]

The companies are against that law of course

[@sayurinz]

OMG THE WAY I JUMPED UP FROM MY SEAT! THANK YOU SO MUCHH LET THESE KIDS LIVE THEIR LIVES !!

[@mirnaguix8284]

U got it wrong the title says "no more overworked minor idols" not " no more minor idols" read before u speak

[@creamy_lilies]

@@mirnaguix8284 Thats exactly his her point they wont be overworked anymore read before you *write*

[@JustK-pop-lw9lq]

Not only young but there should be a limit on working for both young and older idols/trainee’s

[@chrissy9275]

this makes me think of the new gg unis from universe planet bc aren’t some of their members as young as 13 during the filming and the training where did they find the time to go to school and what about the ones who debuted

[@SkyFWWO]

I asked my mom if I can go to korea this year to audition and she told me to finish my high school first bcs I have to finish it to get into university which is used to evade military 50/50 picking if I get into an oversea university. I'm glad this law is out so that the companies will not debut younger trainees than me ❤

[@villagranvicent]

What about those kid's parents... They are not accountable for anything?

[@AmiAki]

It’s still very shocking that companies even accept 10 year olds to become trainees for kpop. They should be in school having fun and learning. Not skipping school cuz they suddenly have a dream to be famous. For most to them it isn’t even about wanting to sing or dance but wanting to be famous or be in same company as their idols…

[@alg94]

lol the companies getting mad about the new law is funny. if they weren't so adamant about debuting minors this wouldn't be a problem at all. stop being so obsessed with kids and then you won't have a problem with your trainees not being able to train as much or for minor members not having the same schedule as the adults. of course the government is making it harder for you that's the point.

[@Supernovaex]

Oh come on! You said this last year but nothing changed

[@KuroOkamiYokai]

Oh yea, the minor trainees work so hard in the competitive environment is because they don't want to be criticized by the other managers. I'm really hoping some of these companies abide by the new law that's about to be taken place, and hopefully see more of the positive side in the long run

[@MintChocopop]

Sad part is i am just 17 and i feel old 🥲

[@JessicaOdili-kx7lw]

I hope this law would be applied to foreign trainees

[@dianaosazenaye1313]

It not it going to stop

[@ThanosOVERsuperheroes]

it's better to be a millionaire by the age of early 20's , being on magazines, and be invited to events as a VIP, unlike academic late 20s people are depressed over their careers and money. people unnecessarily demonize everything, nothing comes easily. do you know how many sleepless nights and mental pressure it takes to be a doctor, lawyer, or engineer!! haven't you guys seen how high school kids take their own lives cause of academic pressures, late 20s people over career!!

[@kjooni]

7:45 well yeah, that's why companies exploit and take advantage of them, they wouldn't think bad of it since they are young and they obviously wanted to grow faster and be the best to debut. Also, there's no law (i think) telling them not to practice more outside of these working hours which artists can also do and companies can encourage, but they don't have to be strict about it.

[@aquaaria3489]

Seeing how much more pressure students in South Korea have to endure, I wouldn’t get my hopes up…

[@Sinordes]

What if the industry increases the standard weight limit of idols, something approved by specialists as fit and healthy. Also there should be an annual medical exam to check if the idol is still medically fit, mentally stressed to work. As for the schooling of minors, it seemed company will only recruit adults or recruit a minor that can perform well in school.

[@justiiiwg6]

damn.. bc i tried for hybe just last week 😥

[@Prios-by5sz]

Laws maded to regulate underage work are never perfect but most countries and industries (specially entertainment ones) always found a way to not comply using loopholes or corruption. There's also the legislation that Korea's congress was discussing (the "50/50 law") about restring labor rights from idols to protect their companies, no trainee will report abuses for fear to be just fired, parents aren't aware at their children in most cases and no adult in the industry risk their jobs for them. A law without an institution to reinforce it is just empty words.

[@kerstingravel8160]

It’s a huge problem in general. Minors shouldn’t be idols and parents shouldn’t push their children into such a career. They can go to dancing schools, etc., but they shouldn’t debut as minors. It’s a very tough business and if it doesn’t work, how will they have chances to get a good job?

[@DJSoulbrother]

They do need to be protected, I saw a fancam not long back with Jimin from Class:Y and basically clowns in the comments were drooling over her, she was damn 15 at the time....This is hopefully a start to changing things

[@denden2935]

I'd love to see how k public wld react to an idol grp that wasn't stick thin 🤔

[@maidatariq4934]

This industry is so hard for underage idols they had to face alot of hardships so its better to not let them debute until they grow and become mature enough to face hardships I hope company should consider it and take care of minors idols

[@BeMyArt]

Why are children working? There's not enough talented adults? No, they just other children and pdfile's money. That's the only reason. I mean, while movies need children as actors, there is no real reason for children to sing on stage professionally.

[@teaning]

This law was needed so bad

[@AyomideAllinson]

This is what I like

[@janewen7131]

children having forced to loose weight they end with a eatting disorder later on because they don't know how much weight too loose to still be a healthy weight other idols have also been told to loose weight

[@fullsun1820]

I wonder why the parents aren't parenting , who let his child to go practice for 10 hours and leave the school?

[@CK.Stellata]

K-pop trainees & performers still need a union. I’m glad these restrictions have been enacted, but wow. Only Seoul? “Only” 6-7 hours’ work per day, on top of school? It’s not even a little surprising that the people who gain the most from exploiting young people are the most vociferously against the changes. I hope the law changes can be enforced.

[@Oh_mariam]

Y'all know how hard that sh#t must be to spend all the school years in a strict, competitive, harsh environment just to not debut or just debut but get kicked out of your group over false allegations

[@mirnaguix8284]

Title says "no more overworked minors" not " no more minor idols"

[@Oh_mariam]

@@mirnaguix8284 why are you in everyone's comments

[@honoraryaroha]

great law but if a child wants to drop out let them they can always go back never too late they're athletes and artists if they have the opportunity and aren't getting it at school why shouldn't they be able to make the decision with their guardian to leave school and pursue other endeavors

[@hasrh.m]

so finally government took actions right ??

[@destinycollins8456]

I feel let them go because I feel they hold back a group

[@YG_MONSTIEZ]

NewJeans disband.

[@winsung8157]

It's about time. Young groups like NJ are being exploited and they themselves are doing very suggestive choreography and double meaning lyrics to gain more hype and fame.

[@fivestarmichelin_]

Debuting minors shouldn’t be done. Periodt. It's literally child labour smh ppl actually claim to be civil and yet actually say it's okay to debut minors.