vehicle adult-content claims followed by proxy prescriptions at an obstetrics and gynecology clinic… Park Na-rae revelations, "what else could she have done" vs "crossed the line"
The conflict between broadcaster Park Na-rae and her former managers has entered a new phase day by day. Following a complaint of workplace harassment, revelations that include private conduct and medical issues have continued, sharply dividing public opinion.
Earlier, Channel A reported that Park Na-rae's former managers submitted a written complaint to the Seoul Regional Office of Employment and Labor Gangnam branch claiming workplace harassment. The former managers said they were forced to become aware of unwanted situations during vehicle transfers for work and view this as harassment using the employer's position. The complaint is reported to also allege actions that could have threatened safety while driving.
Following the report, opinions online argued that if the incident occurred in a vehicle used as a workplace it could be subject to investigation, while others expressed concern that reporting details of a matter that has not yet received legal judgment is problematic.
Meanwhile, Dispatch reported another revelation on the 13th. According to the report, former manager A publicly disclosed various errands he said were demanded during work. These included a claim that while leaving for an overseas shoot of I Live Alone, after completing departure procedures, he was asked to bring a luxury bag from a residence in Itaewon.
The most contentious point was the claim of proxy prescriptions at an obstetrics and gynecology clinic. The former managers said they obtained medication prescribed for someone other than themselves at Park Na-rae's request and released a medical confirmation and parts of messenger conversations. The released messages included requests such as "buy medication from the obstetrics and gynecology clinic" and "it must be taken before recording," along with conversations expressing discomfort about medical records being created.
The former managers say proxy prescriptions actually took place and that there was later a transfer of money for the medication. They pleaded that although they knew there might be a violation of the Medical Service Act, it was difficult to refuse because of pressure to protect the entertainer. In particular, an unmarried manager said he was afraid that medical records could affect his future private life.
As these revelations continued, public opinion split again. Some internet users empathized with the former managers' claims, saying, "What else could they have done to make these revelations?" "If it was difficult to refuse within a work relationship, the act of raising the issue is understandable," and "it seems an investigation is needed."
On the other hand, many criticized that following adult-content claims in a vehicle and then an obstetrics and gynecology clinic, the coverage has become too sensational, that private life revelations should be distinguished from workplace harassment issues, that it is uncomfortable for content they do not want to know to be consumed, and that it feels like a public trial. In particular, as concrete descriptions of acts are repeated, critics say sensationalism is being emphasized over the core issue of the controversy.
Meanwhile, the conflict between Park Na-rae and her former managers has already led to criminal complaints and countercomplaints and civil lawsuits. The former managers allege workplace harassment and illegal acts, while Park Na-rae's side is responding with charges of attempted extortion and embezzlement in the course of duty.
With investigations by the Ministry of Employment and Labor and police underway, the matter appears to be spreading into a social debate that questions the scope of workplace harassment, the limits of private life revelations, and the responsibility of media coverage. Calls for a cautious approach until a legal judgment is reached are also growing.
[Photo] 'OSEN DB'
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