Park Ji-won is a writer for The Korea Times who has been covering a wide range of topics from Korea’s culture to its politics. An avid journalism enthusiast to the core, Ji-won brings a thoughtful and unique perspective to every topic she covers. On weekends, you'll often find her contemplating life’s purpose on a yoga mat — with a cup of quality tea in hand. A native Korean speaker by birth and fluent in English through her work, she went to college in Japan and is learning Chinese and French — hoping to add Polish, Russian and Thai to the mix.
179 members of state-run art troupes found violating terms of employment
National Gugak Center / Courtesy of National Gugak Center
By Park Ji-won
By Park Ji-won
Up to 179 members of six state-run art troupes have been found to be in violation of regulations prohibiting them from having a second job, according to data.
According to the inspection by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, 69 were from the National Gugak Center, 52 from the Korean National Ballet, 44 from the National Theater of Korea, 11 from the Korean Symphony Orchestra, two from the Seoul Performing Arts Company and one from the National Chorus of Korea. In general, those working for the state-run organizations are not allowed to have a side job or engage in contracted work unless it is approved by the company since they are deemed as public servants.
The revelation came after the ministry conducted its inspection over a period of approximately two years between Jan. 1, 2018, and March 6, 2020, after three members of the Korean National Ballet were found to be violating self-quarantine rules by traveling to Japan or teaching private lessons, which made headlines amid the fast spread of the virus. One of them ended up being fired for his misbehavior.
Of the 179, the companies took punitive measures against 84 members for the violations according to internal policies while issuing warnings to 95 members.
Thirty-two out of 33 employees from the National Gugak Center who violated their employment agreements were found to be performing concerts or giving private lessons without prior approval from the center.
The organizations are asked by the culture ministry to tighten the regulations on their members giving private lessons.