Juhyun Ok Referred to Prosecution for Unregistered Agency Operation: Apologizes for "No Intent," But Charges Recognized

Referred to Prosecution Without Detention
on Charges of Operating an Unregistered Agency

Singer and musical actress Juhyun Ok has been referred to the prosecution on charges of operating an entertainment agency without proper registration.

On December 1, the Namyangju Northern Police Station in Gyeonggi Province announced that Ok was sent to the prosecution without detention on November 27 on suspicion of violating the Act on the Development of the Public Culture and Arts Industry. According to this law, entertainers who operate as corporations or as sole proprietors with more than one employee must register as public culture and arts planning businesses. Violation of this law can result in imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of up to 20 million won.

Singer and musical actress Juhyun Ok. Instagram capture

Ok is accused of running the entertainment agency 'TOI Entertainment (TOI),' which she founded, without registering as a public culture and arts planning business. After this fact became known, reports were filed through the National Sinmungo and other channels. Considering that the agency is located in Byeollae-dong, Namyangju, the Namyangju Northern Police Station conducted the investigation.

A police official stated, "Although registration has now been completed, we confirmed that the agency was operated without registration prior to that, and therefore the charges are recognized," adding, "We cannot disclose specific details of the alleged crime."

Following the controversy, TOI explained, "Three years ago, at the initial stage of the company's establishment, we prepared for registration and even completed online education, but it appears that an omission occurred during the administrative process. We want to make it clear that there was never any intention to deliberately evade legal procedures or operate the company illegally." TOI is reported to have completed its business registration during the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's designated registration guidance period for public culture and arts planning businesses.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has announced that, as cases like Ok's have become increasingly common, it will operate a registration guidance period for public culture and arts planning businesses until December 31. During this period, the ministry will provide guidance on procedures and requirements to unregistered agencies and encourage them to register. After the guidance period, those who have not completed registration may face legal measures such as investigation requests or administrative inspections.