South Korea to Ban Forcing Minors to Leave School for Idol Careers Starting 2026
South Korea is set to introduce some of the strongest protections yet for underage trainees and artists in its entertainment industry.
On December 31, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced revised standard contracts for both trainees and minor artists, marking a significant policy shift aimed at safeguarding children’s rights, education, and well-being. The new regulations will officially take effect on January 1, 2026.
Ending Forced School Dropouts
At the core of the revisions is a clear prohibition against entertainment companies pressuring or coercing minors to drop out of school in order to pursue idol careers. The government emphasized that educational rights must not be sacrificed for commercial gain.
The scope of prohibited behavior has also been expanded. Beyond academic coercion, the revised contracts explicitly ban violence, threats, verbal abuse, coercion, sexual harassment, and sexual abuse toward underage trainees and artists.
Expanded Mental Health Support
The updated guidelines significantly broaden access to mental health care. Previously, counseling and treatment support were limited to cases of “severe depression.” Under the new rules, support will now extend to minors showing general symptoms of depression, provided the individual gives consent.
This change reflects growing recognition of the psychological pressures faced by young trainees in a highly competitive and demanding industry.
Clearer Rules on Contracts and Penalties
To reduce legal disputes between agencies and artists, the revised contracts now clearly define deadlines for compensation or penalty payments when a contract is terminated. Officials stated that clearer timelines are intended to improve transparency and prevent prolonged conflicts.
Health and Safety Protections
The amendments also prohibit agencies from forcing minors to participate in filming, performances, or activities that pose health or safety risks. This includes situations involving physical exhaustion, illness, or unsafe working conditions.
In addition, companies will be required to appoint a designated person responsible for the protection of minors. Both the artist and their legal guardian must be formally informed of who holds this responsibility.
A Step Toward Industry Reform
The Ministry described the revisions as part of a broader effort to strengthen human rights protections, improve transparency, and reduce systemic disputes within the entertainment sector.
As K-pop and Korean entertainment continue to expand globally, these changes signal a shift toward prioritizing the long-term well-being of young artists over rapid commercialization. Starting in 2026, agencies that fail to comply with these standards will face increased scrutiny under the new framework.
