"K-pop industry, lawmakers wrestle over exploitation of underage idols," 17 June 2023

[...] Korea set a limit on how long teenage entertainers can work to address concerns about their human rights in 2014, but the controversy has resurfaced yet again following a legislative attempt to regulate the system further.

[...] The new bill to revise the Popular Culture and Arts Industry Development Act aims to limit how long adolescent entertainers can work to ensure their rights, according to Rep. Yoo Jung-ju, the primary author of the proposal.

[...] It does so by limiting underage entertainers' work hours to six hours a day, 25 hours per week for those under 12; seven hours a day, 30 hours per week for those under 15; and seven hours a day, 35 hours per week for those under 19 — the legal age in Korea.

[...] If the bill passes, Korean girl groups and boy bands will have fewer hours to practice their choreography, take vocal lessons, receive makeup and perform on stage than currently allowed, 35 hours per week for under 15 and 40 hours per week for under 19.

[...] These young idols will also remain subject to the existing 10 p.m. ceiling on their work hours.

[...] "The proposal that arbitrarily subdivides work hours based on age is a Popular Culture and Arts Industry 'Underdevelopment' Act that disregards the reality [of the industry]," five entertainment organizations — Korea Music Content Association, Korea Entertainment Producer's Association, Korea Management Federation, Recording Industry Association of Korea and Record Label Industry Association of Korea — said in a joint statement on May 17.

[...]