K-pop agencies adopt voluntary trainee welfare code

Major K-pop agencies published a voluntary welfare code covering trainee working hours, mental-health counselling, and contract profit disclosures. Lawmakers in Seoul said legislation could follow if audits reveal non-compliance.

Fans welcomed live-stream guidelines banning hidden cameras in dormitories. Smaller labels requested subsidies to meet counselling costs without raising trainee debt.

Analysts expect export revenue growth to continue despite tighter training schedules. WOP360 will track the first independent audit scheduled before year-end.