Korea Music Copyright Association's Sudden Suspension of Open Recruitment Amid Executive Misconduct Controversy Causes Uproar Among Job Seekers

High-Ranking Executive Involved in Misconduct Was Set to Serve as Examiner
Association States "Inevitable to Suspend Recruitment Process"

The Korea Music Copyright Association has abruptly suspended its open recruitment for new employees for the second half of 2025. The association determined that it would be difficult to proceed with the selection process after it was confirmed that a high-ranking executive in the secretariat, who was scheduled to serve as a recruitment examiner, was recently dismissed from his position and placed on standby due to internal misconduct.

The association had accepted applications for new hires from September 3 to September 9, 2025, with the goal of recruiting an unspecified number of candidates. The recruitment areas included general administration and IT management, with candidates expected to undergo document screening and interviews before being hired on a probationary contract and subsequently converted to full-time positions. However, immediately after the application deadline, the association sent a text message to applicants stating, "Due to internal circumstances, we have no choice but to suspend this open recruitment," and added, "We sincerely apologize for not being able to reward your valuable time and efforts." The association further stated, "All submitted documents and application records will be destroyed to ensure that no disadvantages occur." The text message did not provide specific details regarding the reason for the recruitment cancellation.

However, in a phone call with Asia Economy on October 2, an association representative explained, "We had no choice but to halt the recruitment process because the staff member scheduled to serve as an examiner became involved in a misconduct issue," and added, "There are currently no plans to resume recruitment within this year." Previously, on September 19, the association stated, "We recently identified serious misconduct by a high-ranking executive in the secretariat and have dismissed the individual from their position and placed them on standby." It was confirmed that the employee had established a separate entity outside the association and may have obtained financial gains through this entity.

The Korea Music Copyright Association is the representative trust management organization effectively responsible for domestic music copyright management, with more than 50,000 members. However, there has been ongoing internal controversy due to issues such as excessive spending on board meeting expenses and allegations that some high-ranking staff members are involved with external entities.

One job seeker who applied for the association's recruitment said, "I was waiting to find out if I had passed the first round, so I was very confused when the recruitment was suddenly canceled," and added, "If they had provided an explanation for the suspension and information about when recruitment might resume, it would have been less confusing." The association stated, "We plan to prioritize internal reorganization," and added, "The schedule for resuming recruitment will be discussed later, taking into account internal circumstances."