Protection Provisions for Minors under the 대중문화예술산업발전법 (Popular Culture and Arts Industry Development Act)
Protecting minors
Maximum of 35 hours per week for those under 15 and 40 hours for those aged 15 to under 19; restrictions on nighttime activities; and, from August 2025, bans on forcing excessive exposure, appearance management, or school absences, as well as a requirement to appoint a Youth Protection Officer.
1. Maximum Working Hours
- Under 15: No more than 35 hours per week.
- Aged 15 to under 19: No more than 40 hours per week.
- This includes all time spent providing services, such as rehearsals, recording, and events.
2. Restrictions on Nighttime Activities
As a rule, youth activities and rehearsals are prohibited from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following day. Exceptions are allowed only if the requirements set by law are met, including consent from the young person and their legal representative.
3. The Rights to Education, Sleep, and Rest
Agencies must protect young people’s rights to education, dignity, sleep, rest, and freedom of choice. Schedules that routinely cause them to miss school may be unlawful.
4. Prohibited Conduct under the Amendment Effective August 2025
The amended 대중문화예술산업발전법 prohibits forcing young pop culture artists to:
- Wear excessively revealing outfits or use excessively sexualized expressions
- Miss school or drop out
- Take on health or safety risks for filming or performances
- Undergo excessive appearance management
- Endure human rights violations such as physical assault, verbal abuse, or sexual harassment
5. Youth Protection Officer
Agencies must appoint a Youth Protection Officer to protect the rights and interests of young artists under their management. The standard addendum revised in January 2026 requires agencies to inform the young person and their guardian of the officer’s identity. When signing a contract, obtain the officer’s name and contact information. If you experience prohibited conduct, record the date and details, and report it to your guardian, the officer, and a counseling service (1388).
6. Addendum for Minors
When signing an exclusive contract or trainee contract with a minor, the general rule is to obtain consent from their legal representative and enter into an addendum covering youth protection. Do not proceed with a contract that has no addendum.
Source: 문화체육관광부
Translated from Korean by StagePass. The Korean original is authoritative.