“Employee’s salary was delayed, but he gave a luxury bag to a girl group member”… Additional revelations about the CEO of 143 Entertainment, who is suspected of sexual misconduct

A former employee of 143 Entertainment, the agency behind the girl group Maydine, has come forward with allegations of financial misconduct by CEO Lee Yong-hak.

On the 29th, a press conference was held at the Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, addressing the allegations of sexual misconduct against Lee Yong-hak, CEO of 143 Entertainment. Heo Yoo-jung, a former A&R team leader at 143 Entertainment, attended the conference.

Heo, who joined 143 Entertainment in 2021 and worked in the A&R team, was responsible for casting Ga-eun. She introduced herself by saying, "I was in charge of taking care of the Maydine members." She continued, "While working at the company, I frequently heard about CEO Lee Yong-hak's financial issues. In fact, banners urging the resolution of unpaid amounts were hung in front of the company, and trainers' salaries were often delayed. It was distressing as an employee."

Heo further revealed, "In a situation where all employees' salaries were delayed, the CEO publicly gifted a luxury bag to a particular high school member he favored. That was the last straw for me," explaining her reason for leaving 143 Entertainment.

Meanwhile, CEO Lee Yong-hak is embroiled in allegations of sexual misconduct against former Maydine member Ga-eun. As the controversy escalated, 143 Entertainment stated that the allegations were "groundless" and announced Ga-eun's departure from the group. According to legal representatives, Ga-eun has filed a complaint with the Gangnam Police Station, which has jurisdiction over 143 Entertainment's location.

Reported by Kim Ji-won, TenAsia one@tenasia.co.kr