'Incident Chief' Girl Group Member Sexual Harassment Allegation Report
Agency "Clearly States It Is Unfounded"
Amid allegations that a rookie idol was sexually harassed by the head of her agency, the agency has denied the claims, calling them "groundless." On the 22nd, JTBC's 'Sageon Banjang' reported that a member of a multinational girl group who debuted last September was sexually harassed by the agency's CEO after being caught by him when she invited a man she liked to the dormitory. The program stated, "A member of a multinational girl group that debuted last September has reported being sexually harassed by the agency's CEO."
According to reports from the parents of the girl group members, Mr. A holds the position of co-CEO and is a founder of the agency. In a recorded conversation with member B, who claims to be a victim of sexual harassment, she alleges that during a conversation with the members on October 26, she said, "'Please let me finish this activity. That is my wish,' and (Mr. A) responded, 'If I grant your wish, will you grant mine? My wish is to have a one-day girlfriend.'" She further claimed, "'He forcibly asked, 'Can I kiss you?' I kept my mouth tightly shut, but he tried to insert his tongue, and he kept licking my neck and ears as well.'" She added, "I was trying to protect this area (important parts), but he kept saying things like 'Move this away' continuously."
Ms. B said that she thought Mr. A's proposal to be a "one-day girlfriend" meant just going on dates like eating meals or watching movies for a day. Wanting to continue her activities, she accepted Mr. A's words. However, Ms. B claims that as soon as she agreed, Mr. A locked the office door and continued the sexual harassment. She also alleges that there was sexual contact during the subsequent movie date.
The parents of the members also disclosed part of a meeting held with the CEO on the 26th of last month. During this meeting, the parents asked, "We want to know the truth about what happened when we entrusted our children to you with peace of mind. What exactly happened?" The CEO responded, "I clearly made a mistake." The parents raised their voices, saying, "That is not a mistake. Didn't you treat the children with personal feelings?"
The group activities of Ms. B, who reported being sexually harassed by the agency representative. Photo by JTBC 'Sageonbanjang'
Afterwards, the agency completely denied Ms. B's claims. The two sides' statements sharply contradict each other. The agency's lawyer told 'Sageon Banjang,' "Ms. B said it was her wish, 'Please let me continue to be active in the team. Then I will be your one-day girlfriend.'" He also explained, "There is footage of the two riding in a car, and in that video, they talk about wishes, showing no suspicious behavior that would suggest an unusual relationship."
He further stated to 'Sageon Banjang,' "There was no sexual contact between the member and the CEO," and "Although it is true that the CEO comforted her with hugs several times due to internal team conflicts and disturbances, it cannot be considered sexual contact." Mr. A denied the allegations, saying, "There is no such fact with Ms. B. It is groundless." The agency also stated, "There was no sexual harassment or sexual contact between the two." The broadcast explained, "Since other members need to continue their activities, it is necessary to accurately ascertain the facts." It emphasized the need for a cautious approach for the sake of the remaining members amid the ongoing dispute over the truth between both parties.
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