Two years ago, during a rehearsal, an accident occurred… The hospital bills are the individual's responsibility due to spinal cord injury sequelae.

It has recently come to light that a classical singer was disabled due to an accident involving a falling stage device during a rehearsal at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. Over two years after the incident, the singer has been relying on a wheelchair and has been engaged in a legal battle without receiving any compensation from workers' compensation insurance.

On the 25th, MBC's 'Newsdesk' reported the story of freelancer vocalist Ahn Young-jae (30), who participated as a chorus member in an opera performance but received no compensation after the accident during rehearsal.

According to the report, Ms. Ahn participated in an opera performance at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in March 2022. However, while exiting after rehearsal, a metal stage device weighing over 400 kg fell from the ceiling, causing the accident.

Ms. Ahn stated that the stage device collided with a pole she was holding and crushed her shoulder. Subsequently, she complained of vomiting and dizziness, and the hospital diagnosed her with 'spinal cord injury due to trauma.'

Currently, she finds it difficult to walk and relies on a wheelchair, with problems arising in her vocalization and breathing, which are essential for a singer.

However, since the accident, all the costly medical expenses, amounting to millions, have been borne entirely by her.

Private Choir and Sejong Center Evade Responsibility… Not Subject to Mandatory Workers' Compensation Insurance

Ms. Ahn does not fall under the mandatory subscription category of the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act due to her status as a freelance artist. In fact, the application rate for workers' compensation insurance among freelance artists is only 7.3%.

In this situation, both the private choir, which organized the performance, and the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts have denied responsibility. The Sejong Center claims, "The location and cause of the accident are both uncertain, and Ms. Ahn did not follow the designated exit route." They also assert that "sufficient safety measures were implemented in advance."

In response, the Coalition of Cultural and Artistic Workers pointed out that "the majority of freelance artists are placed in low-wage situations, making it difficult for them to bear insurance costs," emphasizing the need for substantial government support.

Meanwhile, the police have charged five individuals, including the stage director of the Sejong Center, and are conducting an investigation into whether safety management obligations were violated at the time.

Naver TV 'MBC News'

Image source: mbc 'Newsdesk'