MODHAUS, the K-Pop agency housing tripleS, ARTMS, and idntt, is now facing ridicule for the massive “assignment” and multiple hurdles of interviewing required as part of their hiring process.
In a viral tweet, one netizen asked if it’s “normal” for a temporary contract position to require such intense screening.
제대로 된 인재를 뽑고 싶은 건 알겠는데 3개월 계약직에 요구하는 사전과제 양이 상당하고 거기다 면접이 3차까지 있는 건 좀 씁쓸함 원래 다 그런가요
— 잼병 (@jamsick00) October 23, 2025
The pre-assignment for MODHAUS’s (tripleS, ARTMS) contract hiring is so interesting that I kind of want to make my K-Pop mutuals do it like a K-Pop quiz, LOL. Anyone up for it?
I get that they want to hire the right talent, but it feels kind of discouraging that they’re asking for such a huge amount of pre-interview assignments for just a 3-month contract position — and there are three rounds of interviews on top of that. Is it normally like this?
— @jamsick00/X
The assignment consists of ten questions, all of which require lengthy written responses:
“Pre-Assignment: Attach this with your résumé upon submission, or write it in the designated section.
1. Choose one album or music video from an idol group that debuted within the past year and write a review. Focus on the distinctive qualities or the elements that left a strong impression. (Minimum 100 characters)
2. If there’s an idol song from the past six months that impressed you most, introduce it. Freely analyze the reasons it stood out, any changes within the team, and the market’s response. (Minimum 100 characters)
3. What direction do you think the overall flow of K-Pop is currently heading in? If you have your own insights about specific areas such as genre, performance, or marketing, include them as well.
4. Describe a recent domestic or international issue in the music industry that caught your attention. (Negative issues are fine.) Explain why you, as an artist researcher, think that issue is important.
5. If there’s a team you think is underrated, feel free to introduce them. Describe why they haven’t received the spotlight within current market trends, the reasons you personally took notice of them, and what areas they could improve on.”
— MODHAUS
“6. What do you think about fandom-based platforms (such as Cosmo, Universe, or fan voting apps)? Write your opinion on the strengths and weaknesses of MODHAUS’s app ‘COSMO,’ and how you would utilize it in your role as a researcher.
7. If there is a music video you recently couldn’t finish watching until the end, explain why. As a content consumer and researcher, analyze—based on your own standards—what failed to capture or sustain your interest.
8. Are there any expressions, concepts, or formats that you think are being overused in the current K-pop scene? If there are aspects that now feel worn out or repetitive, write about them honestly.
9. If you’ve ever witnessed a team you liked start to decline, why do you think that happened? Analyze the causes of their failure and describe what early warning signs you, as a researcher, might have identified. Also explain what you learned from that and whether you adjusted your evaluation criteria afterward.
10. If you were to work as an artist researcher, explain specifically what perspectives and strengths you could bring to the team. Include your personal standards of observation, methods of analysis, or your philosophy as a researcher.”
— MODHAUS
That, along with three rounds of interviews for a position lasting three months (with the possibility of renewing for another three months), has earned some scathing responses online.
“[MODHAUS]
Notes:
– After the initial 3-month contract period, an additional 3-month extension may be discussed.– Depending on the agency’s situation and the employee’s performance, there may be discussions or evaluations for conversion to a regular (full-time) position.
Employment type:
– To be discussed separately during the interview.Recruitment Process:
Document screening → 1st interview → 2nd interview → 3rd interview → Final selectionInterview schedule will be announced later.
Important Notes:
– If any false information is found, the employment offer may be canceled.– This recruitment is on a rolling basis, and may close early once the position is filled.”
— MODHAUS Job Listing
With one pointing out that the agency rarely renews temporary contractors, netizens are slamming MODHAUS left and right for “power tripping.”
- “If you need market research, pay them to actually do it and not just exploit people for free ideas under the guise of a ‘market study position.’”
- “These days when I look at job listings, there are way too many companies that seem out of their minds. All that to offer 3-month contracts?”
- “Even for university assignments or survey papers, they at least give you a gift card. What are these people thinking?
- “Unfortunately, it’s not just this one. There are tons of companies doing this kind of nonsense lately. A 3-month contract with a full pre-assignment test? If you’re gonna make people do that, just hire them full-time.”
- “These nugus…”
- “Ugh, seriously. What a f*cking joke.”
- “Why are they trying to squeeze ideas out of people while hiring for a contract job?”
- “I know someone who works there, and apparently only a TINY number ever become full-time employees. They just keep cycling through 3-month contracts over and over.”
- “Pathetic.”
- “Wow… I can’t believe companies like this exist… This feels no different from job scams.”
- “Do they pay like ₩4.00 million KRW (about $2,780 USD) a month or something? How much are they paying to have a hiring process like this?”
- “Even the agency CEO probably can’t answer all those.”
- “Guess they treat their staff just as ruthlessly as they raise idols—AKB-style LOL.”
- “This is insane. Even if it were a full-time permanent job, I’d wonder how much they’re paying to justify that. But a 3-month contract position? Seriously?”
- “The 3-month contract is already ridiculous, but what’s even funnier is that they say it might extend another 3 months, and then there’s a possible full-time conversion evaluation depending on timing? That makes me want to curse out loud LOL.”
- “Literally doing the most… Do they not know why high-pressure interviews are dying these days?”
- “LOL. Doing all that for a 3-month job? I wouldn’t even bother with an agency that requires two interviews for a permanent position.”
This isn’t the first time MODHAUS has gone under fire for questionable behavior.
Read more:
K-Pop Company Lets Fans Vote On Whether Their Idols Are Allowed To Share Personal Opinions