The agency that manages singer WOODZ (Cho Seung Youn), EDAM Entertainment, officially apologized regarding the controversy surrounding the recruitment of unpaid staff for the artist's world tour.
The issue came to light after a job posting for a concert in Germany was circulated online and sparked public outcry for allegedly exploiting workers under the guise of fan loyalty.
EDAM Entertainment clarified that they had coordinated with the local organizers regarding the details at issue. They acknowledged negligence in overseeing the recruitment process conducted by a third party at the performance location.
"We have confirmed the facts regarding the content with the local show organizers. We deeply regret not having properly checked the content beforehand," an EDAM Entertainment representative said in an official statement to MK Sports on Friday (May 8, 2026).
Furthermore, the agency promised to immediately rectify the situation to ensure that workers' rights in the field remain upheld according to applicable standards. Management emphasized that it will increase oversight of all overseas tour operations to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
"Regarding the shortcomings in the local performance operations, we will consult closely with the local organizers to ensure necessary measures are taken. We will also strengthen communication with the local authorities and review everything more closely to ensure the smooth operation of future performances," the agency added.
The controversy began when a staff recruitment announcement for WOODZ's 'Archive.1' concert in Germany surfaced. The post stated that organizers were looking for staff to maintain order at the venue and manage the merchandise booth on the day of the concert.
However, the requirements were deemed too demanding as candidates were required to be proficient in Korean, German and English, as well as possess technical knowledge of lighting and sound.
Despite their specific and professional qualifications, the compensation offered was limited to food and the opportunity to attend the concert, with no financial reward. This drew sharp criticism from netizens, who considered employing unpaid labor for large-scale commercial concerts unfair.
WOODZ himself is scheduled to continue his 'Archive.1' world tour next June by visiting several major cities in Europe, including Berlin, London, Frankfurt, and Paris.
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