As former managers filed complaints with the Regional Office of Employment and Labor alleging workplace harassment, the controversy surrounding comedian Park Narae is expanding into the realm of legal judgment.
In this situation, a practicing attorney expressed the opinion that sexual acts that took place inside a car could constitute workplace harassment, rekindling the controversy. Attorney Lee Don-ho of Nova Law Office on the 5th explained the legal interpretation of the claims made by Park Narae's former managers on his YouTube channel.
The attorney said in response to the question "Isn't this a private matter, so it wouldn't be a problem?" that "if the act is true, there is a possibility it could be judged as sexual harassment or workplace harassment." He particularly explained that "a manager has a special employment relationship different from an ordinary colleague, and because a vehicle is also a space used in the course of performing work, it is likely to be regarded as a workplace."
He went on to say, "If an unwanted sexual situation in a workplace was forced to be perceived visually or audibly, this could amount to workplace harassment using a superior position." Regarding the possibility of legal judgment depending on the level of physical contact, he noted, "the legality determination can vary depending on the degree of the act," while also pointing out that "workplace harassment is not a criminal offense but a matter of judging the conduct."
He added, "If it is not recognized as workplace harassment, the labor office complaint could be dismissed, and in that case it could have proceeded to a civil claim for damages." He interpreted that "from the former managers' perspective, it would have been important to be publicly acknowledged that the situation they experienced was an 'unfair act.'"
Attorney Lee Don-ho also said this issue could become a critical crossroads for all parties involved. He said, "Park Narae is a figure for whom public image is very important," and added, "If a court determines the act to be true and a ruling ordering payment of damages follows, it could be a crippling blow to her entertainment activities." He added, "Because the longer the controversy continues the greater the damage becomes, if you are a legal representative you would have no choice but to actively consider mediation or negotiation."
Earlier, Park Narae's former managers submitted a complaint to the Seoul Regional Office of Employment and Labor Gangnam branch on the 18th of last month alleging workplace harassment. The complaint reportedly contained the claim that "in the confined space of a vehicle they were forced to perceive an unwanted situation visually and audibly," and included content that during certain acts the driver's seat was repeatedly kicked, even causing a risk of a traffic accident.
Both sides are currently proceeding with multiple legal disputes simultaneously, including workplace harassment claims, claims for damages, and criminal complaints and countersuits.
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