National Assemblyman Kim Jun Hyuk of the Democratic Party of Korea has proposed an amendment to the 'Act for the Development of the Popular Culture and Arts Industries' in a move that could significantly impact teenage entertainers in South Korea, including K-Pop idols, trainees, and child actors.
The amendment aims to reduce the maximum working hours for teenage entertainers, aligning their restrictions with those outlined in the 'Labor Standards Act' for teenagers aged 15 and older. Currently, teenagers in this age group can work up to 46 hours per week, but the proposed amendment seeks to bring this down to 40 hours per week.
However, the Korea Music Content Association (KMCA) has voiced opposition to the proposed amendment, stating that it lacks proper consultation with the recording industry and could unfairly portray the music industry as a whole.
In its official statement, the KMCA highlighted concerns about the potential impact on K-Pop groups with members of varying ages, broadcasting networks' casting decisions, and the overall global competitiveness of South Korea's pop culture industry.
While acknowledging the need to protect teenage entertainers, the KMCA urged for a reconsideration of the proposed regulations to ensure a fair and sustainable approach in line with the current landscape of the cultural industries.
The statement emphasized the industry's commitment to respecting the rights and educational opportunities of teenage artists, citing existing self-regulatory measures aimed at safeguarding their well-being and development. The KMCA called for policies that accurately reflect the realities of the cultural industries and encouraged a collaborative approach involving stakeholders for the sustainable growth of South Korea's popular music sector.
The debate surrounding the proposed amendment underscores the complexities and challenges faced by teenage entertainers in the dynamic world of K-Pop, raising important questions about balancing industry regulations with the rights and aspirations of young artists.