‘Unpaid notice controversy’ Super Junior D&E “No conformity, caused by local cultural differences… Fees must be paid” [TEN Issue]

[Ten Asia = Reporter Kim Se-ah]

Super Junior unit D&E (Donghae & Eunhyuk) apologized after controversy arose over a job posting seeking an unpaid backstage interpreter for their New Zealand concert.

On the 5th, an announcement regarding interpretation for Super Junior D&E’s fan concert became controversial through an online community. The notice states, “We are recruiting interpreters for Super Junior D&E’s concert on October 19th. We are looking for 3-5 backstage interpreters, and the hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.”It goes on to say, “Hourly wages are unpaid or volunteer work, lunch is provided, and concerts are available. This will be a good opportunity for college students who need experience to add to their resumes.”

The controversial part is ‘unpaid or volunteer work.’ The problem was that only lunch was provided without compensation corresponding to the labor provided during the total 8 hours of work.

In addition, since it is written as if it is a privilege to attend Super Junior’s concert for free, many fans are angry, saying, “This is too much, knowing that the majority of applicants will be fans,””Are the fans easy?”, and “Are you saying we shouldn’t get paid in exchange for watching the concert?”could not hide it.

As the controversy grew, the notice was deleted.

In response, the agency Odd Entertainment said, “After checking, volunteer interpreters are frequent and natural in New Zealand and Australia due to their nature as immigration countries. Accordingly, we are hiring free interpreter volunteers (locals) who provide interpretation in multiple languages ​​at public institutions including courts, police stations, and hospitals. For reasons such as the presence of a local government (directly operated by a local government),

In addition, “‘Volunteers are people who voluntarily participate and help in any work without compensation, and who work of their own volition for the benefit of society or the public. In conducting this performance, professional interpreters must incur costs. “Payment must be made, and recruitment of any volunteers is prohibited in conducting this performance.”

He added, “The post has now been deleted, and A ELEMENT ENTERTAINMENT announced that all interpreters should only be hired with recognized experience and expertise, and promised to do so.”

Lastly, “We clearly state that tour promoter Have Fun Together Co., Ltd., agency Odd Entertainment Co., Ltd., and the artist have not given any consent or agreement in relation to the above-mentioned issue. “I would like to express my sincere apologies for causing harm to people,” he said, apologizing for the announcement.

Kim Se-ah, Ten Asia reporter haesmik@tenasia.co.kr