Actress Lee Ha‑nee's talent agency was reported to have operated without registering for the popular culture and arts planning business.
According to a report by a media outlet on the 22nd, Hope Project, which Lee Ha‑nee founded in 2015, operated as a one-person agency managing entertainers but did not go through the registration process. The Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) did not include Hope Project on its list of registered popular culture and arts planning companies published in August.
Under the Act on the Development of the Popular Culture and Arts Industry, corporations or sole proprietors with more than one person must complete the registration procedure under Article 26, Paragraph 1 to engage in popular culture and arts planning. Operating without registration can result in up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million won.
Hope Project was established as Hanui Co. Ltd. on Oct. 5, 2015; changed its name to Irye-yun Co. Ltd. in Jan. 2018; and renamed itself Hope Project Co. Ltd. in Sept. 2022. Lee Ha‑nee served as CEO and inside director until Jan. 2023. Currently, her husband is serving as CEO and Lee Ha‑nee is an inside director.
In response, Lee Ha‑nee's side said, "Hope Project did not sufficiently recognize the obligation to register for the popular culture and arts planning business and therefore did not proceed with the registration process. After recently confirming this fact, we have sought expert advice and are proceeding with the procedures in accordance with relevant regulations, and we plan to complete registration within the guidance period as soon as possible."
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