Celebrity

Even After Handling a 'Faulty Wardrobe', Song Ji-hyo Digs into Her Own Pocket to Prevent 'Unpaid Wages'

May 17, 2023 | by Rosen Seth

From a wardrobe malfunction to wage payment disputes, actress Song Ji-hyo is going through a rough patch due to surrounding circumstances.

In October of last year, Song Ji-hyo nested at WJSN Rocks, where her 'Running Man' family member Ji Suk-jin resides. However, only six months later in April, she notified WJSN Rocks of her exclusive contract termination due to the agency being embroiled in allegations of wage non-payment, leading to a loss of trust.

WJSN Rocks, who previously claimed Song Ji-hyo was still an actress of their company, acknowledged the termination of the exclusive contract, stating, "We were unable to spend a long time with Song Ji-hyo, but our time together was based on trust. We are deeply thankful for her dedication, and it was an honor. We ask for much interest and support for her diverse activities in the future."

Regarding the cause of the issue, they admitted, "We acknowledge the mistakes made due to rapid expansion in operating various business areas based on content," and apologized, "We also apologize for causing concerns to many who have been supporting and helping our existing business."

Fans are understandably upset. Song Ji-hyo made fans worry in 2021 when she attended a photowall event wearing a coat with a popped stitch. And now, the agency she ambitiously moved to has not only failed to provide proper management, but has also caused a nuisance to the artist.

Moreover, an affiliate from Song Ji-hyo's side revealed in a call with OSEN on the 17th that, "The unpaid amount we have not received from WJSN Rocks is estimated to be around 900 million won. The total earnings made by the actress is an even larger amount. Despite this, even on-site expenses were not properly paid."

In particular, WJSN Rocks is known to have defaulted on salaries and four major insurance premiums for their employees, most of whom are young adults in their 20s. Song Ji-hyo's affiliate voiced out saying, "Young friends who have just started working are suffering from unpaid wages from the start. We thought this cannot continue, so we decided to take legal action."

The affiliate was also frustrated that the payment for the proceedings was also defaulted. The accounting system, which required individual prepayment followed by claims, had a malfunction. The situation led to the employees' cards being overdue due to expenses, and Song Ji-hyo generously paid for these using her personal card.

Ji Suk-jin also reportedly paid the salaries of the unpaid WJSN Rocks employees, including the manager and the stylist team, out of his own pocket. While it's a warm anecdote for Song Ji-hyo and Ji Suk-jin as individuals, it's heartbreaking when you take a wider perspective.

The Kpop Reporter attempted to contact Park Joo-nam, the representative of WJSN Rocks, regarding this issue, but failed to reach him. Representative Park Joo-nam has withdrawn from his position amid the controversy on the 27th of last month.