"Does a Talent Show Really Lift Spirits?"... Female Public Officials as 'Backup Dancers' Sparks Controversy

“Forcing Talent Shows Constitutes Workplace Harassment”
“Facility Managers May Be Fined Up to 10 Million Won”

As controversy erupted over female public officials from Buk-gu District Office in Gwangju dancing as "backup dancers" for the district mayor on the stage of the "National Singing Contest," a civic group has stepped up to eradicate the issue of being forced to perform at workplace talent shows.

On the 17th, "Workplace Gapjil 119" announced via a press release that it would operate a reporting center for "year-end talent show coercion" until December 16. The organization stated that it would receive reports of forced performances or talent shows at workplaces such as social welfare facilities, and would also pursue workplace harassment reports and petitions for labor inspections. The group emphasized, "Forcing employees to participate in talent shows constitutes workplace harassment," and added that facility heads could face fines of up to 10 million won for workplace harassment.

Munin, Mayor of Buk-gu, Gwangju, who appeared on the National Singing Contest stage. Photo by Yonhap News

The organization explained that, according to a survey of 414 social welfare workers conducted from February 18 to March 19, 28.1% responded that they had participated in a talent show or performance at work. In a separate survey of 1,000 office workers conducted by Global Research from June 1 to 7, it was also found that the perception that "employee performances or talent shows are necessary to liven up company dinners or team-building events" is widespread.

Meanwhile, Moon In, Mayor of Buk-gu, Gwangju, bowed his head to staff in response to the backup dancer controversy. On the district office's internal administrative network "Sael," Mayor Moon posted a message titled "Apology Regarding the National Singing Contest," stating, "I deeply apologize once again for causing concern." The controversy arose after eight female senior public officials danced behind Mayor Moon on stage during the recording of KBS's "National Singing Contest" at Dongkang University on the 6th.

Moon In, Mayor of Buk-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, is making a policy proposal speech to President Lee Jae-myung at the National Policy Briefing for Mayors, County Chiefs, and District Heads held at the Blue House State Guesthouse on the 12th. Photo by Yonhap News.

Mayor Moon said, "I spent the weekend tormented by the thought that I had undermined the efforts and pride that we, together, have painstakingly built up for the development of Buk-gu," and added, "I bow my head and sincerely apologize to all 1,700 public officials in Buk-gu." He further stated, "I will use this incident as an opportunity to reflect on my original intentions."