WOODZ’s Agency Exposed For Trying To Recruit Unpaid Staff Members, Issues Apology
Singer WOODZ’s agency has become embroiled in controversy after recruiting unpaid staff members for his concert.
Recently, a staff recruitment notice for the Germany stop of WOODZ’s world tour “Archive. 1” was posted on an online community. According to the notice, volunteers working on the day of the concert would be randomly assigned tasks such as crowd control, merchandise booth operations, show running, and meal support.
The organizers listed preferred qualifications including fluency in Korean, German, and English, prior experience with K-pop concerts, and knowledge related to lighting and sound. They also stated that meals and concert viewing opportunities would be provided. However, controversy arose because no separate wages would be paid.
Ticket prices for WOODZ’s concert reportedly ranged from around 420,000 won [$287] for VIP seats, approximately 190,000 won for priority entry tickets, and about 150,000 won [$130] for general admission seats. Criticism followed over the operational method of recruiting unpaid workers in exchange for concert access benefits.
As the controversy grew, WOODZ’s agency EDAM Entertainment stated to Ilgan Sports on the 8th of May, “We sincerely apologize for not thoroughly reviewing the matter in advance.”
The agency added, “Regarding shortcomings in local concert operations, we will closely discuss the matter with the local concert organizer so that necessary measures can be taken,” and continued, “We will strengthen communication with local organizers and conduct more careful checks so that overall concert operations can proceed smoothly in the future.”
Meanwhile, WOODZ has been carrying out his world tour since starting in Incheon last March, with performances in cities including Osaka, Tokyo, Nagoya, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong.
Source: (A)
