As controversy over alleged power abuse toward managers and a legal dispute surrounding comedian Park Narae intensifies, a past scene in which actor Han Chae-young took care of her manager like family, including helping with a jeonse deposit, is drawing attention again.
Recently, an online community post resurfaced about Han Chae-young appearing on MBC's Omniscient Interfering View in 2021. On the broadcast, Han, telling a manager who was considering quitting due to financial difficulties, "I can't do without you," readily helped with a Seoul jeonse deposit and even prepared breakfast, showing exceptional affection.
Manager Lee Jung-hee revealed a studio filled with furniture and daily necessities gifted by Han Chae-young and, with tears welling up, said, "She is like a mother who helped me continue working as a manager." After hearing the heartwarming story, internet users highly praised Han's character for even supporting the jeonse deposit and are comparing it with the recent entertainment industry controversies.
In contrast, Park Narae has been sued by former managers for reasons including verbal abuse, running errands for proxy prescriptions, and unsettled expenses. The former managers also accused Park Narae of embezzlement, saying she used company funds for personal purposes, and reportedly even sought a provisional seizure of Park Narae's real estate.
Park Narae's side filed a countersuit for attempted extortion and embezzlement, saying the former managers demanded a large sum beyond severance pay based on false information. Agency N-Park said, "After leaving the company, they demanded an amount equivalent to 10% of sales," and is continuing legal action.
With both sides' claims in a tight standoff, Park Narae recently appeared before police for questioning as the complainant. As the conflict with the manager escalates into a mudslinging fight, public interest in the trust between celebrities and managers is higher than ever.