Kim Soo-hyun, now controversy over agency settlements? What is the agency's stance?
Actor Kim Soo-hyun has once again been embroiled in controversy. This time, it is not a personal matter but a dispute over settlement payments and the management structure of his agency Gold Medalist.
On the 19th, one media outlet pointed out that Gold Medalist paid out a total of 670 million won in settlements to actors over the past five years, saying this is excessively low compared with the industry average. In particular, suspicions grew as this coincided with the period when the tvN drama starring Kim Soo-hyun, 'Snow Queen,' was a global hit and the company's revenue surpassed 20 billion won.
In addition, reports emerged that the registered address of the largest shareholder, 'Bareun No. 2 Investment Association,' is of unclear substance, raising questions that the management structure is not transparent.
The agency immediately rebutted the claims. Regarding the settlement issue, it explained that "unlisted companies follow K-GAAP accounting standards, and actors' allocation is included in cost of sales, so there is no problem."
Regarding the investment association's address, it said, "Due to the nature of investment associations, it is common not to have a separate office, and the registration procedures are lawful." Finally, emphasizing compliance management, it drew a firm line, saying, "We have had a multi-year advisory contract with a law firm, and there are no illegal matters."
But public opinion is divided. Some reacted, "Following the Kim Soo-hyun private life controversy, now issues with the agency too... there really seems to be no respite" and "It's true the settlement structure is hard to accept; it must be properly clarified."
Conversely, many voices defended Kim Soo-hyun and the agency, saying, "The media seems to be sensationalizing this" and "The company even had the legal team review it; aren't these just groundless suspicions?"
Meanwhile, Kim Soo-hyun has suspended activities earlier this year amid a private life controversy related to the late Kim Sae-ron. With legal disputes still ongoing and the agency now under scrutiny over settlement issues, the noise does not appear likely to die down easily.
[Photo] OSEN DB
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