HYBE, the entertainment company behind popular groups like NewJeans, BTS, TXT has retained its “Top Company” certification from the South Korean Ministry of Employment and Labor. This decision comes after a review prompted by allegations of workplace bullying and concerns about workplace safety.
Background on HYBE’s Top Company Status
In September, HYBE earned a spot on the “2024 Top Enterprises for Job Creation” list in South Korea. This annual recognition highlights 100 companies that excel in creating good jobs and improving work environments. This designation brings several advantages for the companies, including:
- Tax benefits
- Faster immigration procedures
- Postponed tax audits
- Favorable credit assessments
Allegations and Investigation
The situation began when NewJeans member Hanni shared claims of workplace bullying within HYBE. This sparked further examination, including a National Assembly hearing where concerns were raised about a possible connection between an employee’s death and overwork. These events led to calls for HYBE’s “Top Company” status to be taken away.
The Ministry of Employment and Labor then conducted a review. They held a committee meeting on October 27 to decide whether HYBE should keep its certification. According to the Ministry, removing a company from this program requires proof of violations of labor laws or similar issues.
The Ministry’s Decision
After their investigations, the Ministry found no evidence to support the allegations against HYBE. They determined that Hanni did not meet the legal definition of an employee under the Labor Standards Act. This meant that the bullying claims did not violate any labor laws. Likewise, they found no evidence of industrial accident reports or work-related illnesses, so there were no violations of the Industrial Safety and Health Act either.
The Ministry explained that a company’s “Top Company” certification can be revoked if the company:
- Causes major public controversy
- Faces lawsuits
- Violates labor-related regulations
Because the Ministry found no confirmed violations in HYBE’s case, they decided to uphold HYBE’s status as a “Top Enterprise.” The review committee concluded that HYBE should not lose its certification.
To know the latest developments about HYBE, Keep an eye on VvipTimes, and allow notifications from us to get instant updates on your device.
Source: HeraldPop
