South Korea Considers 'Korean Coogan Law' to Protect Minor Entertainers' Earnings

South Korea is moving forward with a proposal to implement a 'Korean Coogan Law,' which would require a portion of minor entertainers' earnings to be placed in a trust. Leeteuk, a member of the group Super Junior, expressed his support, stating, "Having started my career at a young age, I am interested in this issue. Saving earnings under legal protection can ensure a stable life for young entertainers when they become adults."

On the 9th, a public hearing on the 'Minor Entertainers Income Protection Act' was held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul. The event was organized to discuss the 'Amendment to the Development of Popular Culture and Arts Industry Act,' proposed by Bae Hyun-jin of the People Power Party. The amendment aims to mandate that 50% of the earnings of minor entertainers, such as child actors and K-pop idols, be placed in a trust to prevent misuse until they reach adulthood. This proposal is inspired by the U.S. 'Coogan Law' established in 1939, which requires a 15% trust.

The hearing was attended by Bae and Min Hyung-bae of the Democratic Party, who proposed a similar amendment. Other notable attendees included Song Eon-seok, floor leader of the People Power Party, Kim Do-heup, chairman of the party's policy committee, Kim Kyo-heung, chairman of the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee, and Choi Hwi-young, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Panelists included actor Jung Joon-ho, editor-in-chief Yang Byung-hoon of Hankyung Ten Asia, lawyer Choi Geon, and Kim Hyun-mok, director of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's Popular Culture Industry Division.

Jung stated, "While the U.S. and France have laws like the Coogan Law to protect minor entertainers' earnings, South Korea does not. A Korean Coogan Law would provide a foundation for economic independence when these entertainers become adults." He emphasized, "Creating an environment where minor entertainers can continue their careers and ensuring their efforts are rightfully rewarded is a responsibility we all share."

Bae noted, "While the U.S. Coogan Law sets the trust rate at 15%, my proposal boldly suggests 50%. However, this is not set in stone, and the most appropriate percentage can be determined through parliamentary discussions." Min added, "It would be devastating for a minor entertainer to reach adulthood with no savings. We aim to create a law that addresses this issue effectively."

Yang commented, "There are many in the child acting industry who oppose the Korean Coogan Law, but protecting minors is a concern for both the parliament and society." He addressed concerns that restricting parents from freely using their children's earnings might deter parental investment, stating, "The experiences of countries like the U.S. and France show these concerns are unfounded."

Yang further explained, "Allowing parents to freely dispose of their children's earnings can lead to family conflicts, including lawsuits between parents and children once they reach adulthood. The Korean Coogan Law would not limit parental rights but rather serve as a means to protect families."

Lawyer Choi argued, "Some claim that the Korean Coogan Law unjustly limits parental rights guaranteed by civil law. However, parental rights over property are not independent but are attached to the minor's property rights, making such claims inaccurate." He emphasized that the Korean Coogan Law does not infringe on parental rights.

Entertainers also voiced support for the 'Korean Coogan Law.' In a video played at the hearing, singer Hong Kyung-min stated, "I've heard that advanced countries have implemented this law. I hope a similar law is enacted in our country to help many minor entertainers. Adult attention to this issue is crucial."

Leeteuk, who joined SM Entertainment in 2000 and began his trainee life at the young age of 18, said, "As someone who started my career young, I am interested in this issue. Saving earnings from a young age under legal protection can provide a stable foundation for adult life."

Jung Se-yoon, Ten Asia Reporter yoon@tenasia.co.kr