Broadcaster Park Narae is expected to take a decisive fight as she files additional complaints against her former managers on embezzlement charges.
On the 22nd, one media outlet reported that Park Narae filed a complaint on the 20th at the Yongsan Police Station in Seoul against former managers A and B on charges of violating the Act on Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Economic Crimes (embezzlement).
Earlier, Park Narae's side said it had identified embezzlement of corporate funds by the former managers and was investigating the scale. At the time, Park Narae's side said, "We detected embezzlement of corporate funds by the former managers and are investigating the scale. It appears the former managers embezzled corporate funds and have brought the situation to this point," and announced they would file a complaint.
Park Narae's former managers filed an application for a provisional seizure of real estate at the Seoul Western District Court on the 3rd, foreshadowing a claim for damages of about 100 million won. They alleged not only simple unfair treatment but also specific and serious criminal charges including workplace harassment, special injury, proxy prescription, and nonpayment of production fees, and said they were forced to attend drinking parties, run errands for side dishes, clean up after parties and perform other private tasks outside working hours, as well as being forced to act as household helpers for family members.
In response, Park Narae said, "After receiving severance pay, the former managers additionally demanded an amount equivalent to 10% of the company's previous-year sales," and "the demanded amounts gradually increased to reach hundreds of millions of won," adding, "The suspicions raised by some media outlets will be clarified through legal procedures in due course. Our company will faithfully clarify the facts and take necessary measures."
However, Park Narae was not only accused of power abuse but also engulfed in controversy over alleged illegal medical procedures by the so-called "injection aunt," and decided to leave all programs she was appearing on and suspend activities. Park Narae herself said, "As a comedian whose job is to provide laughter and enjoyment, I decided to suspend broadcasting activities until everything is neatly resolved because I cannot continue to be a nuisance to programs and colleagues."
Later, on the 16th, Park Narae released a video titled "final statement," saying, "There are aspects of the current allegations that require calm verification of the facts, and legal procedures are underway. During that process, I will refrain from making additional public remarks or explanations. I judge that this matter should be objectively confirmed through official procedures rather than being a personal feeling or relationship issue," expressing her willingness to pursue legal disputes with the former managers.
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