The entertainment agency has essentially denied allegations that its CEO forcibly harassed a member of a girl group, stating, "There are many parts that differ from the facts."
On the 29th, 143 Entertainment released a statement saying, "We regret that the CEO of our management company has become embroiled in such controversy. Although there are many discrepancies in the claims made by the member in question, as a police investigation is currently underway, we intend to fully cooperate with the investigation and correct any distorted information based on objective evidence."
Earlier that day, the Hanbit Media Labor Rights Center held a press conference alleging that after a performance in Japan, CEO Lee called member A to his office for scolding her for three hours because she had invited male friends to her hotel. During this, it was claimed that Lee forcibly harassed A by abusing his power.
In response, 143 Entertainment stated, "It is deeply regrettable that the member in question has based her claims on a one-sided argument related to an incident reported last year, demanding a large sum of money as compensation, and then filing a criminal complaint about six months after the incident when her demands were refused. We hope that the truth will be clarified through this opportunity and are committed to taking full responsibility based on the legal judgment."
At the press conference, the mother of girl group member A claimed that the agency had issued a statement denying any harassment and had forced A to 'like' this statement and even post it on her social media. In relation to this, Center Director Kim Young-min called for Lee's expulsion from the entertainment industry, strict punishment, and an apology to A.
Additionally, A's mother admitted to demanding a settlement from Lee, stating, "All we could ask for from the CEO was a settlement. Our request for a settlement was a foolish act of desperation by parents with nothing, thinking of their daughter's future. We didn't realize it could make us look like we were just after money or that it could harm our child. CEO Lee flatly refused the settlement, asking, 'Are you okay with your daughter getting hurt?'"
The girl group member A has filed a complaint against Lee for violating the Child and Youth Sexual Protection Act at the Seoul Gangnam Police Station.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)