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Consumers demand greater corporate engagement in social issues, but leaders push back: Report

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SINGAPORE: A recent report by Zeno Group has revealed a significant gap between consumer expectations and corporate actions regarding engagement in social issues. The study highlights a growing demand among Singaporean consumers for businesses to play a more active role in addressing societal concerns, while corporate leaders express reservations about their ability to meet these expectations effectively.

The report, which surveyed over 7,000 consumers globally including 1,000 in Singapore, indicates that a substantial 85% of respondents believe companies and brands bear responsibility for addressing social issues. More specifically, 70% of Singaporeans feel that businesses should be more involved in these matters.

Furthermore, social issue engagement heavily influences consumer behavior. Almost 80% of respondents consider a company’s stance on social issues when deciding on purchases, recommending brands, choosing employers, and making investment decisions.

“The modern consumer increasingly demands that companies take a stand on social issues. They see corporate social engagement not just as a bonus but as a critical factor in their choices,” commented Swyn Evans, Managing Director of Zeno Group in Singapore.

Despite these consumer demands, corporate leaders remain cautious. The report highlights that 64% of the 212 surveyed C-suite executives believe their companies’ current level of social engagement is adequate. Additionally, 69% think consumer expectations are unrealistic regarding the extent to which companies can engage in social issues.

A notable point of contention is the nature of expected engagement. Only 13% of consumers are satisfied with companies merely meeting legal and regulatory responsibilities, while a scant 10% expect corporate activism to drive social and political change. However, 51% of consumers prefer that brands limit their support to social issues that are directly relevant to their business.

Corporate leaders cite several challenges in meeting these expectations. A significant 84% acknowledge the importance of engaging in social issues, but 81% note that increasing societal polarization makes it more difficult. Almost half of the executives foresee these challenges intensifying in the future.

Ms Evans said, “Many of the difficulties in corporate social engagement stem from the fact that 75% of senior leaders lack a formal process to measure stakeholder reactions to their actions on social issues. This absence of measurement tools leads to uncertainties and misalignment with consumer expectations.”

The findings from Zeno’s report highlight a growing disconnect between consumer expectations and corporate practices. As consumers increasingly incorporate social values into their purchasing and investment decisions, companies face mounting pressure to align their strategies with these values.

However, without effective mechanisms to measure and respond to stakeholder feedback, businesses may continue to struggle in meeting these evolving expectations.

25% of AI job search platform managed to secure a job within a year

SINGAPORE: As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to permeate various sectors, job search websites are increasingly leveraging the technology to enhance recruitment processes. An AI-powered job search platform, launched a year ago, has already facilitated the job search journey for over 60,000 users, with 25% of them securing employment through the platform within a 12-month period.

Since its inception in June last year, the Jobs Lah platform has seen a significant rise in employer participation. Currently, more than 3,000 employers utilize the AI-driven site, marking a 50% increase from the initial numbers. The site averages over 1,000 new job postings monthly, indicating a robust and active employment ecosystem.

An after-school care center, Play Facto School, has recently adopted the AI job search website to streamline its recruitment process. This year alone, the center has posted five job openings on the platform, receiving an average of over ten applications per listing.

Industry experts highlight the unique capability of AI in matching job seekers not just based on their academic qualifications, but also aligning their mentality and values with the company’s philosophy. This nuanced approach allows employers to find candidates who are a better cultural fit, potentially leading to more harmonious and productive workplaces.

A spokesperson for Jobs Lah revealed efforts to attract talent with specialized skills that are in short supply. The representative told 8World, “Some employers have reported challenges in finding suitable candidates due to the specific skills required. We have therefore focused on drawing in such talents to our platform and encouraging them to complete their resumes.”

While AI offers significant advantages, some experts caution about the potential pitfalls of AI-generated resumes. A human resources specialist expressed concerns to 8World, noting, “From an employer’s perspective, if resumes become too uniform due to AI generation, it might reduce the chances of standing out and being invited for an interview.”

Experts believe that when used judiciously, AI technology can greatly enhance the recruitment process. It not only saves employers time by efficiently screening candidates but also aids job seekers in optimizing their resumes, improving their chances of finding suitable matches.

However, the human touch in crafting unique and personalized resumes remains crucial to catch the attention of employers and secure interviews.

As AI continues to evolve, its role in recruitment is likely to expand, making job searches more efficient while posing new challenges that both job seekers and employers will need to navigate.

Singapore worker urged to report boss who instructed him to fudge Govt documents

SINGAPORE: A Singaporean worker has been urged to report his boss after he sought advice online about how to respond to his his boss’ alleged instruction for him to fudge technical documents for the sake of securing a sale.

“These are legal/ government documents that may be checked and if found out will come back to me,” the worker wrote on r/askSingapore on Wednesday (Jul 3).

“Of course I am going to tell my boss ‘NO, I will not.’ But as all Asian boomer bosses go, they will be pissed when their slaves disobey them,” he added.

He then turned to the online community and asked if he could report his boss for telling him to do something illegal, or if he could sue him if he gets fired as a result.

In the discussion thread, the netizens cautioned the worker against proceeding with falsifying the documents, stressing that it would constitute an offense. They stressed that both he and his boss would be legally accountable in such a scenario.

Moreover, they encouraged the worker to consider reporting the incident to relevant authorities. They recommended collecting concrete evidence, such as emails or other documentation, to substantiate any claims.

This evidence, they noted, would not only support an investigation but also strengthen any legal actions taken against the employer.

One netizen said, “Yes you can for both situations and you will need hard evidence like an email. Report to MOM for illegal activities/tasks and Tripartite Alliance for wrongful dismissal.”

Another netizen commented, “Report to the organization involved in the contract or AGO (Auditor General’s Office) if it involves govt contracts. If there’s corruption (ie. Favour from someone…report to CPIB). Reports can be anonymous, but will be better if you include your name, your identity will be kept secret and protected.”

Others in the discussion raised concerns that the boss might find other grounds to terminate the worker, making it challenging to appeal to the Ministry of Manpower if unjustly fired.

They then suggested other ways he could address the issue. One suggestion that came up was to first email his boss and convince him that they shouldn’t be tinkering the figures in the document.

If this fails, he can approach the whistleblowing team in his company (if they have one) and show them the email and all the evidence he has gathered.

One netizen said, “Look into the whistleblowing policy in your company. You are supposed to be protected (not sacked) if you whistleblow by this avenue.

You may still be made to feel very unwelcome and shuffled around (depending on whether the boss’s boss also does such shady practices), but you will have more time to find another job.”

Others, meanwhile, recommended that the worker just quit his job entirely as the entire process will be long and difficult.

A commenter pointed out, “You can try to report but it’s a long process and you’ll need all the evidence and documentation, plus there’s the risk of backlash and retaliation from people who you already know won’t hesitate to break the law. Personally think it’s not worth the trouble.”

Read also: “My boss doesn’t allow us to talk at work, or else she will increase workload” — Singaporean suffers from her company work policy

Featured image by Depositphotos

Cancer patient allegedly kicked by senior citizen who wanted priority seat – MRT commuters with “invisible illnesses” seek more compassion

SINGAPORE: A cancer patient has revealed that she was kicked by a senior citizen who wanted a priority seat, in response to an account by another commuter that they were criticised for not giving up their seat despite suffering from an invisible illness.

The latter took to the internet to share that he got criticized by an elderly man for not offering his MRT seat. According to his post on the askSingapore subreddit, he was seated in the corner of the train, where only two seats were available when the elderly man boarded and stood nearby.

The person next to him, who was in a priority seat, immediately stood up and offered it to the elderly man. However, the situation quickly became uncomfortable for him when the elderly man, now seated, looked at him and posed the question, “Are you Singaporean?”

“I replied yes and he said I didn’t act Singaporean because I didn’t give up my seat to him,” the man wrote. “I then told him I had a health condition where I needed to sit as I get nauseas easily with my migraines.”

After he explained his health condition, the man noticed that the elderly man’s face turned sour. 

The incident left him feeling perplexed, as he couldn’t understand why the elderly man felt the need to criticize him even though another person had already offered him a seat. He questioned: “Why did he have to try to call me out? seems so rude. I’m young and obviously look able bodied and healthy but I have a lot of ‘invisible illnesses’ and some days i really need the seat.”

“It’s already difficult enough trying to prove to doctors and people about my pain and I hate having to justify myself to strangers,” the commuter lamented.

“As entitled as they are, don’t give up your seat when you really need it more than them.”

The man’s post struck a chord with many Singaporeans, prompting them to share their experiences in the comments section. One individual who disclosed that she was battling cancer shared a similar story.

During her treatment, she said she regularly wore a ‘May I have a seat please?’ yellow card and lanyard while occupying the priority seat.

However, despite wearing the card, an old lady “still rudely asked her to give up her seat” and kicked her leg when she didn’t.

“I really need the seat because I am sick. She still got the cheek to ask me what sickness I have. I just said I have cancer and showed her my puke bag,” she recounted, “Ah ma retreated. As entitled as they are, don’t give up your seat when you really need it more than them.”

Another individual, who was recently diagnosed with cancer, also shared that he got scolded by two aunties on the train for taking up the priority seat.

Noting that there were a lot of empty seats during that time, he said, “Can’t wait to flash my PET scan to these entitled aunties if they ever scold me again.”

Some Singaporeans also criticized the elderly man for his behaviour, saying that the way he questioned the man seemed off and leaned toward judging people by nationality.

This kind of behaviour, they noted, was ironically “not Singaporean-like” as well.

One individual remarked, “You kind of fell into his verbal trap, there was no right answer as the person intended to embarass/scold you passively-aggressively. You say if you’re singaporean -> he accuses you. You say if you’re not singaporean -> he is going to stereotype that non-locals are rude.”

Another commented, “This type of “old” person just wants to flex that he is old and demands respect. Whatever answer you give, he will pick a fight with you, not worth your time and breath at all.

Just ignore such “old” people next time it happens again.”

Read also: Sympathy for migrant worker who occupied 4 seats as he lay down in MRT

Featured image by Depositphotos

Some coffeeshop stallholders refuse to hike prices, still sell tea/coffee at 50 cents

SINGAPORE: Despite rising costs, a number of coffeeshop stallholders have refused to hike prices, choosing to continue selling tea and coffee at $2 or less to benefit lower-income folks like the elderly.

One coffeeshop at Block 40, Margaret Drive, Queenstown sells tea and coffee for only 50 cents, which is believed to be the cheapest price in the area. An 8World reporter visited nearby coffee shops and hawker centers and found that other drinks stalls charge around $1.20.

One patron, Ms Wang (transliterated from Mandarin), revealed that the coffeeshop has always been selling coffee and tea at 50 cents and has never raised the price in the one year it has been operational.

She said, “I come here often to drink. Coffee and tea are 50 cents. The egg set, a cup of tea, two slices of bread and two eggs, is $2. This price is very affordable, especially for elderly people like us who have no income. It is very good. It is difficult to find coffee for 50 cents now. Most of them are sold for $1.50, $1.60 or $1.80.”

The coffeeshop’s value proposition extends beyond just beverages.

Mr Cai (transliterated from Mandarin), another frequent visitor, pointed out that economical meal options are also available, such as a sweet and sour pork set meal at the mixed rice stall for only $2.50. Students and senior citizens can also enjoy a 20-cent discount on their purchases by presenting their identification cards.

“It is really very cheap. I have not found anything cheaper than this. In addition to coffee, you can eat affordable meals at roast meat stalls for $6. There are duck and pork, which you can’t buy for $6 elsewhere. For example, when I go to Tiong Bahru to buy roast meat rice, it costs at least $7,” Mr Cai added to the Chinese daily.

The manager of the drinks stall told 8world that the stall operators said that they can make a profit by selling other beverages, so even though they don’t make much, they want the residents, especially the elderly, to be able to have affordable coffee.

The manager said: “At the end of the day, about 40% to 50% of the sales are coffee and tea, which is about 400 cups. The total sales per day is 900 to 1,000 cups. Coffee and tea together sell about 400 cups a day, nearly 50%. Many customers come here just for the 50-cent coffee. Most of the customers are elderly, but there are also many young people. Most of the elderly live nearby.”

The effort to provide affordable beverages extends beyond Queenstown. At Block 118, Aljunied Avenue 2, a food court offers a similar initiative. Patrons spending at least $3 in the food court can purchase hot beverages like coffee, tea, barley water, or herbal tea at a discounted price of $1. Iced options, including iced coffee, tea, chocolate, and lemonade, are also available for $1.

Customers at this Aljunied location have also expressed their appreciation, noting the relative affordability compared to nearby options where coffee prices start at $1.30.

TISG/

SIA passenger says he was sent back to his seat twice while queuing for toilet because of “ridiculous” turbulence rules

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SINGAPORE: A Singapore Airlines (SIA) passenger took to social media to express frustration with SIA’s new turbulence rules, describing them as “ridiculous” and overly cautious. He had been on a long-haul flight from JFK to SIN (SQ23), seated in business class, where he criticised the airline’s approach to fastening seat belts and restricting bathroom use during what he described as smooth flying conditions.

He lamented, online: “I feel that SIA’s new policies around fastening seat belts and prohibiting using the bathroom during turbulence has gotten absolutely RIDICULOUS. I need to poop so bad!! They keep turning on the fasten seat belt sign for every little bump.

“Whenever they turn off the fasten seatbelt sign everyone rushes to the bathroom and fills it. Twice they have made me go back to my seat and buckle my seatbelt while I’m trying to get to the bathroom. There is currently no turbulence and so smooth yet the captain won’t turn off the sign.”

The netizen noted that since SQ321, SIA has become “insanely conservative.” ​​He pointed out that although he understood the reasons behind the strict rules after a tragic flight, he noted, “a certain amount of risk is the price we pay for the convenience of air travel.”

“It’s so typical of Singapore culture,” he remarked. “Any little thing that happens, they overreact in the name of safety and security, going ultra-conservative and inconveniencing everyone just to show they’re taking action.”

The last long haul flight I took on SIA a few weeks ago was the same. They did the same thing and I had the same experience. You pay a premium for Singapore Airlines and this is not a premium experience. I am going to take my business elsewhere until I hear that they are being more reasonable about their seatbelt policy,” the SIA passenger added.

Criticism on social media echoed similar sentiments, with one commenter attributing the strict policies to top management’s directives, enforcing stringent standard operating procedures.

Another suggested humorously, “A brave customer needs to take a stand and poop in his/her seat. That’s the only way to force change!”

Others shared the same experience. One noted how SIA has become “paranoid” since the incident.  

“Since the incident, I’ve done two round trip flights to Europe on SQ. Indeed, SQ has become paranoid. For every little bump, the crew now rushes to their seats, it feels like everyone is just waiting for the plane to plunge. On my last return flight to Singapore, they started serving dinner when we were just entering the Bay of Bengal, while normally this is done much closer to the Andaman Sea side,” he shared.

In another post, another SIA passenger pointed out if SIA is implementing “safety first or overkill” with their new turbulence policy.

However, one commenter pointed out, “no matter how smooth a flight is, turbulence can occur suddenly, and it may be too late to put on a seatbelt by then. A smooth flight doesn’t guarantee that turbulence won’t occur.” /TISG

Read also: SIA announces changes to cabin rules after May 21 turbulence fatality

Featured image by Depositphotos

Singapore worker “mentally exhausted” after getting promotion but no pay raise

SINGAPORE: A 28-year-old Singaporean woman recently shared her struggle on social media, seeking advice on how to handle her mentally exhausting work situation after getting a promotion but no pay raise. “What should I do moving forward? I’m mentally exhausted,” she wrote.

She shared that her company restructured late last year, leading to what she considered a promotion to a more demanding role. However, the official letter from her employer described it only as a “change in role,” without any mention of a promotion. Despite the increased responsibilities and the need for higher skills, her pay remained unchanged.

According to her, the company promised to review the pay structure at the beginning of the year. However, this review has been repeatedly delayed, from January to April, and then again to July. As of now, she has received no updates on the matter.

“This essentially means I’ve been drawing my old pay with zero increment (company does not have yearly increment as well, only during promotions) and doing a job that’s way above my current pay grade for almost a year now. Most of the time double hatting too,” she wrote.

She noted she regretted trusting verbal promises without getting them in writing. “Looking back, I was really naive to be so trusting because everything regarding pay was verbally communicated with no black and white. I asked for black and white for the July deadline promise, but the manager just delayed and I never got it,” she said.

The situation has taken a significant toll on her mental health. She frequently works overtime due to the stressful nature of her client-facing role and the lack of manpower, resulting in a continuous backlog of work. To add to her stress, she is expecting a baby, which makes quitting her job a difficult decision.

“This whole ordeal is truly taking a toll on me. I want to quit so bad, but I can’t because I’m expecting too,” she lamented.

Her heartfelt post has garnered numerous responses from the online community, with many Singaporeans offering advice and support. The majority advised her to take a deep breath and try to stay happy for the sake of her pregnancy.

One netizen suggested planning an exit strategy while managing her pregnancy. “The most logical process I can think of is to get through the whole pregnancy matter while being in the company. When the childcare stabilises, with or without increment, move on to a better company with better pay, work structure, and opportunity,” the commenter advised.

Others shared their own experiences and empathised with her situation. “I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Work makes me cry too but for different reasons,” one person wrote. She recommended having another conversation with her manager to ask for written confirmation of any promises. If the manager refuses, she suggested documenting the discussion in an email to HR for future reference and peace of mind.

Another commenter encouraged her to focus on the positive aspects of her situation and look for a new role before resigning. “Firstly, please be happy, because how you feel during pregnancy can affect your baby. Look on your bright side! At least you have a job in these bad times! If you feel unsatisfied, look for a new role before throwing in the letter,” she said.

One pointed out, “The reason you are feeling underpaid is because of the overloading of work that is not justified because of the lack of pay rise. This is a reasonable request on your part.” 

“Find another place that will treasure your talents and reward you accordingly, either with a higher pay or a lighter workload. Plan your exit, and execute it by a certain deadline you set yourself,” another advised.

“If your current situation is taking a mental toll on you, seek out a therapist or take a sound bath class (I did it and there’s absolutely no shame in seeking help). You could also channel your energy by exercising, or yoga, or reading, or whatever helps you relieve stress. Remember to balance work with your life. Live hard. Stay strong, stay sharp,” she added. /TISG

Read also: Lack of flexi-work options at workplace blamed for high turnover rate despite best efforts of new boss

Featured image by Depositphotos

Latest MRT track fault sees big crowds at Jurong East station

SINGAPORE: A new train track fault during the morning peak period today (4 July) has caused large crowds to gather at Jurong East MRT station as trains move slower.

SMRT reported at 7.25am that a track fault occurred at Jurong East MRT station on the East-West Line, at 5am. The public transport operator urged East-West line passengers to add up to half an hour of additional train travel time, while those travelling to the city were advised to take other train lines.

Revealing that its engineers are on site to rectify the fault, SMRT said: “Train services remain available on both bounds, while having to slow down near the faulty point machine, for safety reasons.”

SMRT added that it has deployed free bridging bus services, alongside regular bus routes, between Clementi and Boon Lay stations at designated bus stops. The group also apologised, saying, “We are sorry for affecting your morning commute.”

In an update, less than 15 minutes later, SMRT again advised those travelling towards the city area to “please avoid east bound service.”

Meanwhile, photos of the scene at Jurong East MRT station showing large crowds and long queues have already begun circulating on messaging platforms. Photos show digital displays at the station informing commuters about the need to add 30 minutes to their travel and apologizing for the inconvenience.

Just last month, on 3 June, the SMRT-run North-South line experienced a two-hour train service interruption. Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat said in a written parliamentary reply yesterday (3 July) that a loss of traction power led to the service disruption, after a surge arrester that was designed to protect the power control box against lightning strikes “did not operate as intended.”

Mr Chee said, “It is possible that past lightning strikes had accelerated the deterioration of this particular surge arrester, as this section of track between Kranji and Marsiling is lightning prone. Arising from this incident, we are working with the manufacturer and the rail operators to review the maintenance frequency of surge arresters.”

He added that his ministry is working with the rail operators to strengthen their incident management plans, including improving the clarity of public announcements during service disruptions, and improving crowd control measures at affected MRT stations and boarding points for bridging buses.

TISG/

Singapore worker urged to pursue 10/10 coworker despite being 6/10 himself

SINGAPORE: A Singaporean worker shared online that he’s having second thoughts because of his insecurities about pursuing a Malaysian girl, whom he described as a perfect 10 in terms of looks, personality, brains and humour.

“The insecurity is mainly coming from 1) the fact that she’s easily a 10/10 and I’m objectively speaking 6/10 and a girl like that would never look at me romantically 2) different races,” he wrote on r/SingaporeRaw on Monday (July 1).

Adding more context, he disclosed that this exceptional girl is his colleague at work and they’ve known each other for only one month.

Despite this short timeframe, he said he sensed a strong chemistry and connection with her, which he rarely experiences.

“It’s amazing how quickly we got along – our conversations can easily switch up from light banter to sharing deep, emotional talks.”

After realizing that he’s completely gone head over heels for this girl, he wants to take things further and ask her out on a date.

However, he’s concerned about the potential outcome and the possibility that he might have just been “misinterpreting her actions and words” and lost their friendship in the process.

Turning to the online community for advice, he asked, “Men of SGRaw, my question to you, how do you differentiate when someone is being flirty or just simply being friendly to you?”

“Just do it bro. It’s 2024. We’ve got interracial couple sons and daughters your age.”

In the online discussion, Redditors encouraged the Singaporean worker to seize the opportunity and pursue his colleague while he has the chance.

However, if he’s worried about how things might go, they suggested that he wait a whole month first and observe if his colleague is showing signs of romantic interest.

According to a few Redditors, one way to do this would be to observe her body language towards him and to see if she behaves differently when interacting with other colleagues. 

Another way would be to text her after work and see if she replies fast and have regular conversations with him.

Others mentioned that he could casually inquire about her ideal life partner to see if he aligns with her preferences.

One Redditor added, “Ask her out. If she is comfortable being alone on a date with you. There’s a good chance she is flirting. The way women show interest is consent.”

Another commented, “Eyyy good on your bruh. Just do it bro. It’s 2024. We’ve got interracial couple sons and daughters your age, it’s nothing new.”

Meanwhile, the rest of the Redditors opposed the idea and explained that the behaviour of the girl is common at workplaces and that this shouldn’t be misinterpreted. 

They also pointed out that getting into a relationship with this girl might not be the best idea while he’s dealing with insecurities. 

One netizen said, “Your insecurity may be a baggage if you do get into a relationship with her. You’ll project there through various ways, maybe clinginess, need for validation etc.”

A few suggested that he build his confidence before diving into anything romantic. 

They believed that focusing on feeling secure in himself would be better for his personal well-being and set the stage for a healthier relationship without those insecurities getting in the way.

Read also: Singapore worker feels “wronged” after promotion leads to colleagues turning against her

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Serendipity’s Embrace poster: Kim So Hyun and Chae Jong Hyeop melting one another’s hearts

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tvN’s upcoming Monday-Tuesday drama “Serendipity’s Embrace” has released a new romantic poster!

Based on a popular webtoon, the drama tells the story of young people finding true love and pursuing their dreams after unexpectedly reuniting with their first love 10 years ago.

Kim So Hyun stars as Lee Hong Joo, an animation producer wary of love due to painful past experiences.

She undergoes an unexpected transformation after running into Kang Hoo Young (Chae Jong Hyeop), who witnessed some of her lowest moments in the past.

Photo: Wikipedia/Kim So Hyun

The new poster captures the reunion of Lee Hong Joo and Kang Hoo Young, showing them lying on the beach sand on top of each other.

While Lee Hong Joo appears unsure where to put her hands, Kang Hoo Young gazes deeply into her eyes.

“It cannot be frozen again after it has thawed,” the poster’s text states. Is it your desire to defrost this initial love? This fascinating query alluded to the transformations their renewed love would bring.

On July 22 at 8:40 p.m. KST, “Serendipity’s Embrace” will debut and be accessible on Viki.

Talented actress

Kim So Hyun is a talented South Korean actress who began her career young and has become a leading lady in Korean dramas.

Born on June 4, 1999, in Australia and raised in South Korea, she started acting in 2006 as a child actress.

She gained recognition for her roles in historical dramas like “Moon Embracing the Sun” (2012) and “Missing You” (2013).

She impressed audiences with her first lead role, playing dual characters in the teen drama “Who Are You: School 2015” (2015).

Chae Jong Hyeop is a South Korean actor who has steadily built his career with diverse roles in popular dramas and web series.

He debuted as an actor in 2016 with the webtoon series “Webtoon Hero – Tundra Show Season 2.”