The K-Pop Agency MODHAUShouse at tripleS, ARTSAND I do not knowhas recently come under fire for what many fans are calling one of the most “ridiculous” hiring processes in the entertainment industry.
A viral post on X (formerly Twitter) sparked discussion after a netizen wondered if MODHAUS‘s broad pre-interview “assignment” was appropriate for a 3-month temporary contract position.
“The MODHAUS (tripleS, ARTMS) contract hiring pre-assignment is so intense it feels like a K-Pop research project. Ten essay questions and three interviews… for a short-term contract?!”
Candidates were asked to complete a 10-question written assignment, which required in-depth answers analyzing K-pop trends, underrated artists and fandom platforms such as MODHAUSthe COSMO app by.
Some of the questions included:
- “Choose an album or MV from an idol group that debuted in the last year and review its distinctive qualities.”
- “Analyze the direction K-Pop is currently heading: genre, performance or marketing.”
- “Describe a music video you couldn’t finish watching and explain why it failed to capture your attention.”
- “What are your opinions on overused concepts or expressions in K-Pop?”
- “If you were to work as an art researcher, what philosophy would guide your analysis?”
In addition to the challenging questionnaire, MODHAUS‘s job listing stated that there would be three rounds of interviews, all for a 3-month contract which may (but not necessarily will) be extended for a further three months.
K-netizens on platforms like TheQoo and Twitter were quick to point out the agency’s approach:
- If you need market research, pay the professionals. Don’t exploit candidates for free ideas with a fake “assignment.”
- Even universities reward surveys with gift cards – this is ridiculous.
- All this for a short-term job? I’m out of my mind.
Some have even accused the agency of using the process to crowdsource creative input without compensating candidates. “They are literally collecting search and strategy ideas from hundreds of candidates for free.”
Another comment went viral, stating: “I know someone who worked there. Almost no one becomes full-time, they just rotate short-term staff endlessly.”
While MODHAUS has built a reputation for innovative idol concepts, particularly with tripleS‘s fan participation system – its corporate culture is now being questioned.
Critics have labeled the process “power intervention,” especially considering the limited pay and temporary nature of the position. Others have compared it to “unpaid consultancy masquerading as recruitment”. “Not even CEOs can answer these ten questions. Are they trying to test IQ or loyalty?” AND “This is the K-Pop version of corporate exploitation.”
Industry experts note that overly complicated recruiting for low-paying or short-term roles has become a growing problem in the entertainment industry. With agencies increasingly relying on “research” and “creative consultancy”, young candidates often face stiff competition and expectations of unpaid work.
Sources: TheQoo,Chosun Ilbo,Koreaboo
