Lee Soo-Hyuk overwork controversy: Actor forced to sign autographs for 12 hours, agency issues apology

Lee Soo-Hyuk overwork controversy: Actor forced to sign autographs for 12 hours, agency issues apology

Lee Soo-Hyuk, widely recognized for his roles in dramas like S Line, Tomorrow, and Doom at Your Service, has found himself at the center of an overwork controversy after a grueling fan meeting in Hangzhou, China.

The incident, which took place on August 30, drew outrage when reports revealed the actor was compelled to sign autographs for thousands of fans over the course of 12 hours, leaving him visibly exhausted and unwell.

According to a Taiwanese broadcaster EBC, the overwhelming workload stemmed from “excessive ticket sales by the event organizers,” which forced Lee to keep signing under harsh conditions that allegedly included poor air conditioning. Photos and videos from the event showed him drenched in sweat, staggering, and displaying signs of dehydration. As one report noted, “Lee kept smiling and stayed focused on communicating with fans but appeared extremely unwell and even staggered as he left the venue.”

The revelation has sparked a wider debate about how entertainment agencies and event organizers handle fan interactions. Many criticized Saram Entertainment, Lee’s management agency, for failing to protect his health. Social media erupted with fury, with one fan writing on X, “Saram Entertainment’s statement looks like a very conventional one. His health and even life were put at risk. UNTOLERABLE.” Another user added, “Lee Soo Hyuk’s 12-hour fan meet ordeal in China sounds like a nightmare—dehydration, no AC, and threats to keep signing? Fans deserve better answers!”

Several netizens questioned the legality of the situation. “This violates basic labor law and occupational health and safety principles. Is this a labor camp? The agency’s attitude is embarrassing. An immediate audit should be ordered,” one comment read. Others called for stronger unions or organizations in South Korea to protect artists from such exploitation.

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Amid growing anger, Saram Entertainment issued a statement expressing regret. “We believe that every moment shared by fans and the artist is a special and precious moment. Therefore, we deeply regret the situation which occurred during the fan meeting as a result of unforeseen circumstances. In light of these events, we promise to do our best so that we may proceed toward improvement in the future.” The agency emphasized its hope that “the sincerity of the artist, who did his best despite the circumstances, and the fans, who attended out of love for the artist, will not be lost because of these developments.”

Despite the apology, many remain unconvinced, with fans insisting that stronger safeguards are necessary to prevent such incidents from recurring. For Lee Soo-Hyuk, the ordeal has become more than just an uncomfortable memory—it has highlighted the broader issue of artist welfare in the K-drama industry.