A Halt in Teenage Celebrity Activity
The Korean government has stepped forward to protect the rights and interests of teenage actors. These actors and actresses are working overnight while filming movies or dramas. This is now being regulated.
Since July 29th, no more teenage celebrities under 15 are allowed to take part in the entertainment business for more than 35 hours a week, and cannot work from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Teenagers over 15 are allowed to work 5 more hours and can prolong that time with the consent of their guardian. Too much exposure, lewd acts and skimpy clothing are all out of the question as well.
This act to protect teenagersโ rights has been well received. They say celebrities have their own rights as adolescents to sleep, eat and study. The law prohibits companies from causing them to sleep less, forcing them to go on excessive diets and preventing them from pursuing relationships.
The new policy would enforce a healthier body and mind for the growing teens. Too much work causes problems to oneโs health. Diets could make them undernourished.
In addition, fit teenage celebrities could set a good example to teens who watch them on TV. Singers are very skinny these days and those who watch these scrawny idols want to be like them.
However, there are others who think the new laws are absurd. Many persons in the entertainment industry are against it.
One, they argue regulating teenage actors/actresses is bound to result in pro-blems with filming. If there are scenes of children at night, then the whole script has to be changed. Many directors argue that this is unreasonable.
Also idol groups that need lots of practice need to work overnight sometimes. The new rule would shorten their practice time, and negatively impact their performances. It could bring down the Korean music industry.
Furthermore, the hard-working teens could work as catalysts for others to work harder. Their actions may influence their peers. Limiting their time would limit their hard work.
