The former manager who had been in conflict with broadcaster Park Na-rae was arrested on attempted extortion charges, bringing the case into a new phase. However, since various allegations and complaints surrounding Park Na-rae have not all been closed, some say it is still too early to discuss a return to the entertainment industry.
On the 21st, Park Na-rae's side told OSEN, "We understand that the former manager A was arrested on the 16th," and "we understand that the police plan to hand the case over to the prosecutor and that he is currently detained in the detention center."
The Yongsan Police Station in Seoul arrested Park Na-rae's former manager A on the 16th on charges including attempted extortion. Another former manager B is reported to be scheduled to be sent to the prosecution without detention. According to the police, A is accused of demanding an amount equal to 10% of the company's 2024 sales, saying he would expose false claims that Park Na-rae had privately used company funds for an ex-boyfriend and others. The police are also reportedly investigating allegations that A embezzled about 30 million won of company funds.
Earlier, Park Na-rae's former managers filed lawsuits accusing her of workplace harassment, proxy prescriptions, failure to pay production fees, and charged her with special injury, defamation by specifying false facts, and violations of the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection. In response, Park Na-rae's side countersued the former managers on charges of attempted extortion and embezzlement in the course of duty and took legal action. After the police investigation, Park Na-rae maintained the position that "she cooperated faithfully with the investigation and answered truthfully," and that "it is something that will be revealed through the investigation."
Some analyze that A's arrest has shifted the balance of the case. Some voices are also predicting a possible return to broadcasting along with changes in public opinion toward Park Na-rae.
However, the case has not yet been fully concluded. Legal disputes with the former managers are ongoing, and allegations surrounding Park Na-rae, such as the so-called "nurse aunt" controversy, have not been completely resolved.
In particular, Park Na-rae previously said she would "suspend broadcasting activities until everything is resolved," so it is difficult to predict a return date. Although the investigation has clearly entered a new phase with the former manager's arrest, attention is focused on whether Park Na-rae will be able to stand before viewers after clearing all remaining allegations.
[photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]