HYBE has set a milestone in the South Korean entertainment industry by being the first to establish an in-house clinic (healthcare center), staffed with professional medical personnel. This groundbreaking move is part of HYBE’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of their artists and members, who are at the forefront of the global K-pop phenomenon. The goal is to support their health systematically, contributing to the industry’s sustained growth.
The clinic, located at HYBE’s Seoul Yongsan headquarters, began operations earlier this year. Prior to this, HYBE had maintained a health management office since 2022, where in-house nurses provided health consultations and essential medical services. The recent expansion of this facility includes the integration of in-house doctors and nurses, along with the creation of a dedicated space for medical treatment, enhancing the level of healthcare available to their artists.
The in-house clinic, a first in the entertainment industry, is set up within the workplace to provide healthcare services to employees. It follows the model adopted by major Korean companies such as Samsung, LG, SK, and some IT companies for employee welfare.
The clinic is staffed with one doctor and two nurses, offering support such as prescription medications, intravenous fluids, physical therapy, and emergency care based on the doctor’s diagnosis. Facilities include treatment rooms, a recovery room with capabilities for physical and heat therapy, an intravenous therapy room for fatigue recovery, and a treatment room for trauma care.
Dr. Kim Jun Ok, a specialist in mental health, serves as the in-house doctor, providing psychiatric treatment along with primary care for internal and external ailments. Reflecting the unique work characteristics of members constantly involved in creative tasks such as music, performances, and content creation, the in-house doctor has a special background as a musician who studies composition theory and orchestral conducting. The shared commonality of music is expected to create a high level of empathy for effective medical treatment and care.
The in-house clinic is accessible to all members, including artists and trainees. The intention is to meticulously manage the physical and mental well-being of artists, who are easily exposed to stress during busy schedules, intense stage performances, concerts, and interactions with fans, especially at the training stage.
Members can make appointments through the in-house app and website, choosing available time slots. The basic consultation fee is 1,000 KRW (75 cents USD) per visit, and various injections are charged at a minimum expense to reduce the burden on members.
Feedback from members indicates satisfaction with the efficient time management enabled by resolving health issues internally. One member mentioned, “I had to regularly visit the hospital for chronic conditions, but now I can efficiently manage my time by addressing these issues internally.” Another member expressed satisfaction with the quick recovery from cold symptoms through timely medication and intravenous therapy.
In addition to the in-house clinic, HYBE operates various health management programs, providing unlimited vacation utilization, flexible working hours, company-wide refresh periods (days off), support for relaxation with on-set rest vehicles, a healthy diet in the in-house cafeteria (salad packs, healthy days), an in-house fitness center and personal training (PT), and psychological counseling programs.
A representative from HYBE emphasized the connection between the health and safety of members and artists and the industry’s continuous growth. They stated that efforts would be made to create a healthy work environment and a culture of rest for passionately working members, aiming to become a company that more talents aspire to join.
Establishing the in-house clinic aligns with HYBE’s commitment to sustainable management. Under the goal of “Creating the future of the entertainment industry together with the community,” HYBE expresses a strong determination towards its members’ health and safety management efforts.
