Korean government steps in to prevent entertainment agencies from defrauding trainees

[benihime99.livejournal.com]

With more cases of fake entertainment agencies surfacing, tricking young hopefuls out of their dreams, the government has decided to step in with preventive measures. On May 9th, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism announced that they will be investigating entertainment agencies and launch a database that requires agencies and managers to register to be considered legal, as a preventive measure.

The ministry will be working with the Korean Entertainment Management Association to create a database that houses basic information of entertainment agencies like the number of staff and public figures they manage. The database will be made into a safe and reliable tool for parents and trainees to use to find or verify agencies.

In addition, entertainment agencies that don’t pass the standards set will be banned from running as a business. In order to register, agencies must submit proof verifying that they have the assets fit to run a business along with an office building registered under their name.

The ministry concluded, “Recently, several entertainment agencies have been causing a stir in society for the unlawful acts they’ve committed against trainee hopefuls. We plan to stop unfit agencies from entering the market and focus on building a clear and responsible market.”

Source: Allkpop
E-Daily via Naver

Comments

[shintotchi.livejournal.com]

Oh good. Here's to hoping 2013 brings a safer more up to date South Korea.

[redgreendress.livejournal.com]

I actually approve of this. Not often that Korean politics please me.

[incessance.livejournal.com]

Not entirely sure how this will be implemented, or whether it can be done with money and politics and connections and such - but this is a welcome change.

[liferule91.livejournal.com]

"Recently,...."

okay.

[turtles-tszx.livejournal.com]

It's better late than never, seeing how much hallyu wave is bringing them the money. I'm sure they don't want any case that could taint the image of the industry.

[cherrims.livejournal.com]

i'm glad that they're doing something about this. i mean, that case with the ceo of dgna's entertainment industry was really a shocker. who's to say the other labels aren't like that.

[deerlike.livejournal.com]

I wish the law wouldn't just address defrauding, but also the general exploitation (especially sexual) of trainees.

[purring-feline.livejournal.com]

A'ight, that's a start.

[ashiva.livejournal.com]

At least once in awhile we get some positive news.

[jasmineakaiumi.livejournal.com]

Hope good things come out of this!

[bumie.livejournal.com]

good :)

[johnnyquest89.livejournal.com]

Dunno how if this is a good idea really. Seems like a quick fix good idea for the now but not really thinking of the future. It's going to make starting your own company that much harder and let more backdoor policies like not calling trainees trainees but interns or work study employees etc. Gonna be tough on those private self labelled groups too. should hash this out a bit more.

[johnnyquest89.livejournal.com]

^ that doesn't read half as good as what i was thinking in my head but i think it has the general idea.....

[jetaime-pyon.livejournal.com]

hmm..well it's good to at least start somewhere. hopefully it will develop into something more elaborate with time.

[johnnyquest89.livejournal.com]

I guess, just feel like more thought should be put into it. Right now it seems like bandage on a broken leg.

[asnindie.livejournal.com]

Like you can't buy yourself all that and still run a fraudulent company.

[orenji13.livejournal.com]

I thought they finally enforce a law for minor worker in entertainment industry (if they already have one).
A step for better working environment..

[luvey.livejournal.com]

"In addition, entertainment agencies that don’t pass the standards set will be banned from running as a business. In order to register, agencies must submit proof verifying that they have the assets fit to run a business along with an office building registered under their name."

My concern is that this statement will focus more on money, rather than substance. It is a step forward, but there is more that should be done for the protection of the trainees. Especially there needs to be more stringent policies focused on minors and sexual harassment. Sadly, I won't hold my breath.