K-pop idols to form Korea’s first labor union, could launch by end of year
Bang Min-su / Xportsnews
Former Teen Top member Bang Min-su, better known by his stage name C.A.P, has been appointed head of the preparatory committee for Korea’s first-ever idol labor union — a move that could reshape how the K-pop industry addresses artists’ rights.
His agency, Moden Berry Korea, said on Friday that Bang is currently serving as chair of the Idol Labor Union Preparatory Committee, which aims to launch within the year. The committee, which submitted its establishment report to the Seongnam branch of the Ministry of Employment and Labor in September, seeks to represent and protect the rights of idol singers and other pop culture workers.
More than 10 idols have reportedly expressed interest in joining the union, including singer Ailee, who has been confirmed as a public participant. Seo Min-seon, a research fellow at the Democratic Party’s Youth Policy Research Institute, is overseeing the group’s overall preparations and public outreach.
In a statement, the preparatory committee stressed that entertainment agencies should be required to adopt standardized protocols to better safeguard performers’ mental health and legal rights. “These should include proper responses to malicious online comments, support for legal action and deletion requests, as well as protocols for notifying guardians and linking artists with medical or counseling services in cases of psychological distress,” the group said.
Bang debuted in 2010 as a member of Teen Top, releasing a string of hit songs such as “No More Perfume on You” and “To You.” After leaving the group, he signed an exclusive contract with Moden Berry Korea in 2025.
This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.