The Korea Entertainment Management Association expressed strong regret and urged a thorough investigation by the authorities into TV personality Park Na-rae, a former comedian, who has recently been engulfed in various allegations.
The association's special body, the Disciplinary Mediation Ethics Committee, issued a statement on the 17th, saying, "Park Na-rae's conduct undermines sound customs and order in the popular culture and arts industry and is a serious act that hinders the industry's development," adding, "We express deep concern and regret over the confusion and major repercussions caused across the entertainment industry."
The committee said, "Park Na-rae appears to have established a corporation with her mother as the CEO and operated it illegally for more than a year without completing registration for the popular culture and arts planning business," adding, "We urge a thorough investigation and punishment by the relevant investigative authorities, and we call on Park Na-rae's side to actively cooperate with explanations and the investigation."
It also called for investigative authorities to intervene in conflicts with managers. Regarding the issue raised by former managers of not being enrolled in the four major social insurance programs, the committee said, "Failing to resolve this wisely is an illegal and negative evasion of responsibility by Park Na-rae's side," adding, "Through investigative authorities, there must be a thorough probe into why Park Na-rae's managers were not enrolled in the four major insurance programs."
It also pointed to allegations of verbal and physical abuse and coercion of personal errands as chronic bad practices in the industry, warning that if found to be true, the association would take all strong measures at its disposal. Along with this, regarding allegations of illegal medical procedures through so-called "injection aunties" or "IV aunties," it noted, "If proven, this is clearly a criminal act and a serious illegal act that damages the dignity of entertainers."
Allegations of embezzlement of funds and unpaid wages also came under scrutiny. The committee said, "There was also a claim that about 300 million won was transferred from the company account to help prepare a jeonse deposit for an ex-boyfriend, which is clearly embezzlement—misappropriating public funds for private use," adding, "If true, it could constitute extortion and is a very serious matter."
Lastly, the committee demanded, "As a public figure, Park Na-rae should refrain from continuing entertainment activities when actions of taking responsibility and self-restraint have not sufficiently preceded."
Meanwhile, Park Na-rae has filed a countersuit against former managers on charges of blackmail, and on the 16th she said, "I solemnly accept that I have caused worry and fatigue to many people. I have voluntarily stepped down from all programs because of these issues. There are parts of the factual relations that need to be calmly verified, and legal procedures are underway. I will not make any further remarks or explanations," and she stepped down from all broadcasts.