After singers Ok Joo-hyun and Sung Si-kyung, controversy is growing as it became known that actor Gang Dong-won, singer Kim Wan-sun and Song Ga-in also operated one-person agencies without registering as a popular culture and arts planning business.
According to reports on the 18th, after his contract with YG Entertainment ended, Gang Dong-won established "AA Group" in 2023, Song Ga-in established "Gaindal Entertainment" in September last year, and Kim Wan-sun set up "KW Sunflower" in 2020 together with her fan club management and has been active. However, it has emerged that none of them complied with the registration requirement, sparking uproar.
Under the current Act on the Development of the Popular Culture and Arts Industry, if a corporation or an individual business operator exceeding one person engages in entertainment planning activities, they must register as a popular culture and arts planning business. Violation of this can result in up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million won.
Agencies are quickly offering explanations and taking action. Song Ga-in's side said, "She planned to start activities after setting up a one-person agency, but because JG Star took over management, that part was not recognized. We will file the registration application today." Gang Dong-won's side also said, "We recognized the issue as soon as the controversy was reported and are undergoing training application and registration procedures." Kim Wan-sun's agency also explained, "After checking with the legal team, we are proceeding with administrative procedures."
Netizen reactions were mixed. Some criticized, saying, "It's disappointing they didn't even follow this basic procedure" and "I'm shocked to hear that artists I like violated the law." Others expressed leniency and support, saying, "They may have made a mistake because they really didn't know," "Let's not automatically assume it was intentional," and "They say they're trying to correct it now, so let's wait and see."
In the end, attention is focusing on how this controversy, stemming from careless administrative handling by the stars, will be resolved.
[Photo] OSEN DB
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