Key Points of the Standard Trainee Contract Explained
Contracts
Standard trainee contract guidelines — a maximum contract term of 3 years, training costs and accounting disclosures, limits on penalties upon termination, and mental health and human rights protections added in the 2026 revision.
1. Trainee Contracts and Exclusive Contracts Are Different
A trainee contract covers training before debut, while an exclusive contract sets out entertainment activities and revenue sharing after debut. If a trainee contract also includes post-debut revenue-sharing terms or a long exclusive-contract period, review those terms separately.
2. Contract Term: Up to 3 Years
The standard contract requires the start date, end date, and total term to be stated, and sets the term at a maximum of 3 years. The scope of its application in Korea and overseas must also be specified.
3. Training Costs and Accounting
- The contract should state who pays for expenses such as vocal and dance lessons, accommodation, and meals, and whether they will be deducted later.
- If the trainee is responsible for any costs, the contract should also specify how often the trainee will be given an accounting of those expenses.
- If the company only says verbally, “the company will pay for everything,” but this is not written into the contract, the trainee may be charged later.
4. Termination and Penalties
The Fair Trade Commission revised unfair clauses in trainee contracts used by entertainment agencies, allowing agencies to claim as a penalty only the amount directly invested in training if the contract is terminated. Clauses requiring trainees to pay several times the investment amount or allowing the agency to calculate it at its own discretion may be unfair. The standard contract revised in January 2026 requires both parties to agree on and specify the deadline for paying damages and penalties.
5. Mental Health and Human Rights Protection (2026 Revision)
- The scope was expanded to allow the agency to provide counseling and treatment support with the trainee’s consent when they experience symptoms such as depression.
- Physical assault, threats, verbal abuse, coercion, sexual harassment, and sexual violence are listed as prohibited conduct.
- Young trainees receive separate protections for their right to education and right to safety under a standard supplementary agreement.
6. Before Signing
- Check whether it is the latest standard contract form published by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency.
- Check whether the contract term, responsibility for costs, and penalty calculation formula are stated in figures.
- Check whether either party can terminate the contract based solely on monthly evaluation results.
- Make sure you receive a copy of the contract.
Source: 문화체육관광부
Translated from Korean by StagePass. The Korean original is authoritative.