Former girl group Maydin member, identified as A, has filed a police complaint alleging inappropriate physical contact by the CEO of her agency.
On April 29, the Hanbit Media Labor Human Rights Center held a press conference at the National Union of Mediaworkers' meeting room in Jung-gu, Seoul, announcing that A had filed a complaint with the Gangnam Police Station against the CEO of 143 Entertainment, identified as Mr. Lee, on charges of indecent assault (in violation of the Act on the Protection of Children and Juveniles from Sexual Abuse).
According to the Hanbit Center, in October of last year, CEO Lee summoned A to his office and subjected her to verbal abuse and threats for approximately three hours, during which he allegedly committed indecent assault. At the press conference, A's mother stated, "The CEO would individually call out members under the pretext of counseling and subtly sow discord among them," adding, "Even though A clearly requested, 'Please do not touch me,' the CEO ignored her request and continued physical contact, claiming it was for work-related reasons."
Kim Youngmin, director of the Hanbit Center, revealed a handwritten statement from CEO Lee at the press conference, in which he admitted to the indecent act and apologized. The statement contained the phrase, "I sincerely apologize for the indecent assault against the girl group member victim." The Hanbit Center explained that even after the incident, A and CEO Lee were not separated, and that CEO Lee later reversed his admission of wrongdoing. It is reported that A left the team in November of last year.
143 Entertainment stated that its exclusive contract with A is still in effect. However, A's side has notified the agency of the contract's termination due to a loss of trust following the alleged indecent assault. Moon Hyojeong, A's legal representative, explained, "This case involves the agency CEO committing a sex crime against the victim against her will," adding, "At the time of the incident, A was 18 years old and thus a minor protected under the Act on the Protection of Children and Juveniles from Sexual Abuse."
143 Entertainment later issued a statement saying, "We apologize for the controversy involving the management company's CEO," and added, "While there are discrepancies between the member's claims and the facts, we are cooperating fully with the ongoing police investigation and will clarify the facts based on objective evidence."
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