K-pop idol union to launch by end of year to fight online hate and overwork

South Korea’s entertainment industry is preparing for a major shift as K-pop idols move forward with forming the nation’s first-ever idol labor union, aimed at protecting artists from overwork, online hate, and mental health neglect.

According to the Idol Union Preparatory Committee, an official application to establish the union was filed with the Seongnam branch of the Ministry of Employment and Labor in September. Supplemental documents proving idols’ “employee status” were submitted in October, and the committee expects approval before the end of the year.

So far, around ten idols have expressed interest in joining, including singer Ailee, who confirmed her participation publicly. The committee is chaired by Bang Min-su (CAP), formerly of Teen Top, with Seo Min-seon of the Democratic Party’s Youth Policy Research Institute overseeing organization and public relations.

This week, the committee also sent a formal request to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism urging an investigation into how entertainment companies handle artists’ mental health and online harassment. The letter calls for standardized guidelines on mental health management, cyberbullying response, and emergency intervention for at-risk performers.

The committee argues that idols qualify as employees under Korea’s Labor Standards Act because they work under strict schedules and supervision while receiving regular pay. However, current contracts classify them as “independent contractors,” making them ineligible for industrial accident insurance and other key protections.

Additionally, the committee filed a petition to revoke HYBE’s “Best Company” certification and appealed to the Korea Copyright Protection Agency to address ongoing human rights issues, citing excessive control over artists’ private lives and inadequate reporting of workplace deaths.

If approved, the union will mark a groundbreaking moment in the K-pop industry’s fight for fair labor and mental health reform.