The mother of Ga-eun, a former member of the girl group MADEIN, has come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against the CEO of her daughter's agency.
On the 29th, a press conference was held at the Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, where a formal complaint was filed against Lee Yong-hak, the CEO of 143 Entertainment, for alleged sexual misconduct involving an idol under his management. Attendees included Ga-eun's mother, attorney Moon Hyo-jung, former 143 Entertainment A&R team leader Heo Yoo-jung, Kim Jae-sang from the Cultural Solidarity Office, Kim Young-min from the Hanbit Media Human Rights Center, and activist Lee Min-kyung from Political Moms.
Ga-eun's mother stated, "The physical contact, which started as light skinship, became increasingly burdensome for my daughter after she graduated high school. Ga-eun clearly told him, 'Stop touching my body.' In response, CEO Lee ignored her and continued to subject her to ongoing disadvantages and unfair treatment at work."
She further mentioned, "Then the incident happened. My daughter had to endure something unimaginable." She indirectly referred to the alleged sexual misconduct, adding, "My daughter wanted to continue her activities and said it would be enough if the CEO stepped down. However, instead of stepping down, he interfered with every schedule, whistling as if nothing had happened. My daughter cried, saying the whistling sound haunted her, and she felt like she was going crazy."
Previously, the CEO of 143 Entertainment was embroiled in sexual misconduct allegations. JTBC's 'Incident Chief' reported that a member of a multinational girl group that debuted last September was allegedly sexually harassed by the agency's CEO. In response, 143 Entertainment stated, "We clearly inform you that the sexual misconduct allegations are completely unfounded, and we possess clear evidence to prove their falsehood." The agency also announced Ga-eun's departure from the group.
Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter one@tenasia.co.kr