The South Korean fashion and beauty giants Gentle Monster and Tamburins are facing intense scrutiny following allegations of worker mistreatment. On January 6, 2026, a report by Koreaboo detailed clai...
The South Korean fashion and beauty giants Gentle Monster and Tamburins are facing intense scrutiny following allegations of worker mistreatment. On January 6, 2026, a report by Koreaboo detailed claims of employees being underpaid and subjected to excessive work hours, igniting a firestorm of criticism on social media platforms. Allegations of Worker Exploitation Emerge Reports surfaced accusing Gentle Monster and Tamburins, both subsidiaries of the parent company IICOMBINED, of exploiting their workforce. Sources within the companies allege that employees have been forced to work overtime without proper compensation, with some reporting over 60-hour workweeks. These claims have raised concerns about labor practices within the industry, known for its high-pressure environments. Industry Implications and Historical Context The allegations against Gentle Monster and Tamburins are not isolated incidents in South Korea's fashion and beauty sectors. Historically, the industry has faced cri...