'What Did Song Ji-hyo and Ji Suk-jin Do Wrong?' Agency Clears Up Wage Nonpayment Allegations Amid Unwarranted Controversy
As Uzurocks, the agency representing actress Song Ji-hyo and broadcaster Ji Suk-jin, becomes embroiled in allegations of nonpayment of appearance fees and wages, the company has denied these claims, emphasizing a smooth settlement process.
On April 5, Uzurocks said, "There are some inaccuracies in the articles about wage nonpayment reported today," adding, "Wages and insurance payments for former employees have already been completed, and all salaries for current employees are scheduled to be paid around the 10th, the original payment date."
Uzurocks faced suspicions of wage nonpayment that day. It was claimed that the company failed to properly pay some employees' wages due to financial difficulties and did not properly settle expenses such as vehicle maintenance and fuel costs. There were even allegations that a dedicated YouTube team for some artists had been disbanded due to profitability concerns.
Uzurocks is the agency for Ji Suk-jin and Song Ji-hyo, who have been longtime co-stars on the SBS variety show "Running Man." In addition, the management company represents numerous celebrities, including singer Lee Hyun-woo, actor Oh Man-seok, Koyote's Baekga, and former announcer Son Mi-na. The wage nonpayment allegations involving Ujurocks quickly spread online, attracting the attention of netizens.
Regarding this issue, an anonymous source told OSEN, "The representative of Ujurocks, Mr. A, is currently in the United States," adding, "It seems that there have been accumulated instances where contact regarding settlements and contracts has not been made on time." However, another Uzurocks official emphasized, "It's true that the representative is currently in the US. Due to time differences and distance, real-time communication may not have been possible. However, we believe that appearance fees and settlements have been carried out without any problems."
Reports said Uzurocks representative Mr. A is indeed in the United States as of the afternoon of the 5th. As a result, all payment-related issues that have been delayed or raised suspicions have been completed. Celebrities' appearance fees are settled quarterly, so there were no delays, and employees' wages were paid on the 10th of each month for the previous month, as usual. This month, the wages will be paid as scheduled on the 10th.
In response, a broadcasting official told OSEN, "It's unfortunate that artists are affected by their agency's issues. Individual image is important in this industry. There shouldn't be any unfair treatment or entanglement for either side."
Below is the full official statement from Uzurocks:
Regarding the wage nonpayment articles reported today, there are some inaccuracies that we would like to address.
Although the articles mention that the wages of our employees have not been paid, all payments, including wages and insurance, have been completed for former employees. For current employees, all salaries will be paid as scheduled around April 10th.
Furthermore, we would like to inform you that the quarterly settlements for our artists will also proceed without any issues as scheduled.
Thank you.
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