Former manager A, who is confronting broadcaster Park Na-rae over various allegations, is reported to currently be staying in the United States.
Multiple media outlets reported on the 13th that A left for Las Vegas, U.S., on Dec. 22 last year and is staying there. The reason for leaving was reported as health-related, and it is said that A is currently resting. A's side has said the departure was not intended to evade investigation.
In fact, A had already completed police questioning before leaving the country. A appeared at Yongsan Police Station in Seoul on Dec. 20 last year and underwent a first interview as a suspect. That investigation coincided with A's travel schedule and the timing of document submissions from Park Na-rae's side, and was reported to have been conducted unusually on a weekend.
However, with A staying abroad, arrangements are being made for additional planned questioning. The complainant interview related to the workplace harassment complaint A filed with the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) has also reportedly not yet been conducted.
This conflict came to the surface after two of Park Na-rae's former managers filed for a provisional seizure of real estate worth 100 million won at the Seoul Western District Court. They claim they suffered workplace harassment while employed, special injury, orders to obtain prescriptions on behalf of others, and nonpayment of production expenses.
In response, Park Na-rae's side counter-sued the former managers for attempted extortion and embezzlement in the course of their duties and took a confrontational stance. Park Na-rae said in an official statement that rather than respond emotionally to the raised issues, she would clarify the facts through legal procedures. Park Na-rae has suspended all broadcasting activities amid the related controversy.
With some questioning schedules delayed due to A's stay in the U.S., there is also a view that the legal dispute between the two sides is more likely to become a long-term fight rather than be resolved quickly. Attention is focused on when investigations may resume and on any additional statements.
[photo] 'OSEN DB
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