Unpaid Fees for Late Actress Kim Soo-mi Spark Industry Outcry

The production company behind the musical 'Mother' has come under fire for failing to pay the late actress Kim Soo-mi's fees for nearly two years. Industry organizations have vowed to take strong action, even suggesting the company's expulsion from the industry.

On the 13th, the Korea Entertainment Management Association's Special Committee on Sanctions and Ethics (KEMA) and the Korea Broadcasting Actors Union (KBAU) issued a joint statement demanding the immediate payment of the unpaid fees to the late Kim Soo-mi. They warned of severe sanctions if the issue is not resolved.

KEMA and KBAU highlighted the ongoing issue of actors not receiving payment for their work in dramas, films, and musicals, describing it as a serious threat to their livelihood. They emphasized that this problem not only causes financial and emotional distress but also leads to a decline in morale and professional disillusionment, ultimately resulting in a talent drain from the industry. The organizations also expressed concern that this issue negatively impacts the management of talent agencies and could hinder the development of the cultural arts industry.

The controversy centers on the production company's failure to adhere to the payment deadline specified in the contract signed in April 2024 for the musical 'Mother,' in which Kim Soo-mi performed. A complaint was filed, prompting KEMA to conduct an ethics review. The fees remain unpaid, and the organizations stated that the late actress and her family have suffered secondary harm due to the non-payment. They declared that this situation could no longer be ignored.

KEMA and KBAU criticized the non-payment as a serious breach of contract and an unjustifiable disruption of order, equating it to an insult to the late actress. They warned that if the production company continues to withhold payment, they will consider it an illegal act and lead efforts to expel the company from the industry. They also plan to impose regulatory measures to ensure the cultural arts industry moves in the right direction.

The two organizations have established a joint response system to address the issue. They stated, "We will continue to take strong and proactive measures against delinquent production companies and producers who repeatedly fail to pay fees." They emphasized that the only solution to this crisis is the immediate payment of the late Kim Soo-mi's unpaid fees.

Furthermore, they warned that if the production company does not provide a clear resolution and statement of position, they will thoroughly scrutinize all production activities and impose sanctions. They pledged to continue their strong response until the issue of unpaid fees is resolved.

Finally, KEMA and KBAU reiterated their commitment to not overlook any future incidents of unpaid fees for cultural artists. They promised to take responsibility and actively pursue strong measures to resolve the issue.

Below is the full joint response regarding the unpaid fees for the late Kim Soo-mi in the musical 'Mother.'

The production company of the musical 'Mother' must immediately pay the unpaid fees to the late Kim Soo-mi!

The Korean cultural arts industry has grown significantly with the Korean Wave. However, behind this growth, outdated and malicious practices persist, and the resulting damage is borne by actors and their agencies. The issue of unpaid fees for actors is particularly severe.

Many actors in Korea are threatened in their livelihoods by not receiving payment for their work in dramas, musicals, or films. This issue leads to economic and mental distress, lowering morale and enthusiasm for the profession, and causing talented individuals to leave the industry.

This problem also makes it difficult for talent agencies to operate and could hinder the development of the Korean cultural arts industry.

In particular, the production company of the musical 'Mother,' in which the late Kim Soo-mi performed, has failed to pay the fees specified in the contract signed in April 2024. A complaint was filed with KEMA, leading to an ethics review. The non-payment has caused suffering for the late actress and her family, and KEMA has decided that this situation can no longer be ignored.

The complaint about unpaid fees is a serious breach of the principle of good faith in contracts and an unjustifiable disruption of order, equating it to an insult to the late actress. KEMA will consider the continued non-payment as an illegal act and lead efforts to expel the company from the industry. They will impose regulatory measures to ensure the cultural arts industry moves in the right direction.

KEMA and KBAU have agreed to take strong and proactive measures against delinquent production companies and producers. They demand that the production company immediately stop illegal activities and take steps to resolve the issue. The only solution is the immediate payment of the late Kim Soo-mi's unpaid fees.

If the production company does not provide a clear resolution and statement of position, KEMA and KBAU will thoroughly scrutinize all production activities and impose sanctions. They will continue their strong response until the issue of unpaid fees is resolved.

KEMA and KBAU will not overlook any future incidents of unpaid fees for cultural artists. They promise to take responsibility and actively pursue strong measures to resolve the issue.

Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr