Member Lee Ha-neul of the group DJ DOC has been referred to the prosecution on charges of defaming the reputation of a representative of an entertainment agency, and Lee Ha-neul's side has spoken out.
On the 20th, the agency Funkytown released an official statement, saying, "Jubitrain and his agency representative, Mr. Lee, while working at Funkytown, have continuously engaged in illegal activities, including fraud, embezzlement, and obstruction of business, which impede the company's operations."
It added, "Despite their actions, they exploited the 'good faith of artist Lee Ha-neul' to negotiate with the company for a smooth resignation, presenting unacceptable monetary resignation terms to the company, which could not accept them, leading to immediate termination."
Lee Ha-neul's side stated, "After being embittered, Mr. Lee and Jubitrain claimed procedural issues with the company and filed an application for reinstatement for unfair dismissal while simultaneously fabricating several documents as evidence, reporting workplace bullying to the Ministry of Labor," adding, "Unfortunately, during the review of the application for reinstatement, the unfairness of their actions was not considered, and only procedural flaws were recognized, resulting in the application for reinstatement being granted, but fortunately, we were able to secure original and rebuttal materials regarding workplace bullying, leading to the rejection of their fabricated evidence."
It continued, "Among the behaviors of these individuals, who spare no means or methods to fabricate evidence for their own benefit, the most unforgivable part is that they continue to slander and attack artist Lee Ha-neul, who tried to protect them to the end."
Lee Ha-neul's side stated, "Currently, artist Lee Ha-neul has received a total of four complaints filed by these individuals at different investigative agencies, and among them, the allegations that artist Lee Ha-neul defamed Jubitrain have been dismissed as unfounded, but currently undergoing re-investigation due to an objection from the opposing side."
Additionally, Lee Ha-neul's side said, "Funkytown has currently filed lawsuits against Jubitrain and his agency representative, Mr. Lee, for fraud, embezzlement, destruction of electronic records, obstruction of business, and obstructing business through deceit, and plans to file additional lawsuits for defamation through the dissemination of false information and for threats and insults," adding, "We believe this matter is not merely a conflict but an act intended to systematically and long-term damage the reputation of the artist. Funkytown will spare no legal response to protect the rights of its associated artists and will firmly respond to unfounded slander and false claims in the future."
In addition, the agency emphasized, "We ask the public not to be swayed by factually unfounded incendiary claims."
Meanwhile, according to the police, Lee Ha-neul was sent to prosecution without detention on charges of defamation under the Information and Communication Network Act on the 7th. He is accused of spreading false information, claiming that Mr. Lee, the representative of Jubitrain, who has been in a legal dispute with him, is a criminal.
Full statement from Lee Ha-neul's agency Funkytown
Agency Funkytown expresses serious concern over the ongoing defamation against their artist Lee Ha-neul by certain individuals and organizations spreading false information, and hereby provides the circumstances and its official position.
Jubitrain and his agency representative, Mr. Lee, while working at Funkytown, have continuously engaged in illegal activities, including fraud, embezzlement, and obstruction of business, which impede the company's operations.
Despite their actions, they exploited the 'good faith of artist Lee Ha-neul' to negotiate a smooth resignation with the company, presenting unacceptable monetary resignation terms, which the company could not accept, leading to immediate termination.
With resentment, Mr. Lee and Jubitrain claimed procedural issues with the company and applied for reinstatement for unfair dismissal while fabricating documents to falsely report workplace bullying to the Ministry of Labor.
Unfortunately, during the review of the application for reinstatement, the unfairness of their actions was not considered, and only procedural flaws were recognized, resulting in the application for reinstatement being granted, but fortunately, we were able to secure original and rebuttal materials, leading to the rejection of their fabricated evidence.
Among the behaviors of these individuals, who spare no means or methods to fabricate evidence for their own benefit, the most unforgivable part is their attempt to slander and attack artist Lee Ha-neul, who tried to protect them.
It seems they have been continuously harassing artist Lee Ha-neul, as they fear their illegal activities would be exposed if the issue with the company were publicized, unleashing a torrent of complaints against him soon after resigning.
Artist Lee Ha-neul has actively clarified their actions through live broadcasts; however, as seen in the workplace bullying case, they continue to proceed with lawsuits based on selectively extracted and distorted comments, in a manner akin to 'catching whatever sticks.'
Currently, artist Lee Ha-neul has received a total of four lawsuits filed by these individuals at different investigative agencies, among which the allegation that artist Lee Ha-neul defamed Jubitrain has been dismissed; however, it is currently under re-investigation due to an objection from the opposing side.
Funkytown has currently filed lawsuits against Jubitrain and his agency representative, Mr. Lee, for fraud, embezzlement, destruction of electronic records, obstruction of business, and obstructing business through deceit; they also plan to file additional lawsuits for defamation by disseminating false information and for threats and insults.
Funkytown believes that this matter is not merely a conflict but an act intended to systematically and long term damage the reputation of the artist, and Funkytown will spare no legal response to protect the rights of its associated artists and will firmly respond to unfounded slander and false claims in the future.
We ask the public not to be swayed by factually unfounded incendiary claims.
Thank you.
[Photo] OSEN DB
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