Allegations Against 143 Entertainment CEO Spark Outrage

On April 29, 2025, a press conference was held at the Korea Press Center in Seoul to address serious allegations of sexual harassment against Lee Yong-hak, the CEO of 143 Entertainment. The accusations involve a former member of the girl group Maydane, known as Ga-eun, who claims she was subjected to inappropriate behavior by the CEO.

The press conference was attended by key figures including Ga-eun's mother, attorney Moon Hyo-jeong, and representatives from the Hanbit Media Human Rights Center. During the event, Ga-eun's legal representative announced that they had filed a formal complaint against Lee at the Gangnam Police Station, marking a significant step in the ongoing investigation.

According to the Hanbit Center, the alleged incidents date back to October of the previous year when Lee reportedly confined Ga-eun to his office for three hours, during which he subjected her to verbal abuse, threats, and sexual harassment. At the time of the incident, Ga-eun was a minor, protected under the Act on the Protection of Children and Adolescents from Sexual Abuse.

"The CEO initially acknowledged his wrongdoing but later denied the facts and made defamatory statements about the victim," stated a representative from the Hanbit Center. They further claimed that 143 Entertainment falsely denied the allegations and unilaterally terminated Ga-eun's contract without prior notice.

Ga-eun's mother recounted the distressing circumstances surrounding her daughter's experience. She revealed that Lee had called Ga-eun under the guise of a consultation, isolating her from her peers and monitoring her closely. "He demanded that my daughter prioritize him over her mother and cut off her social life," she explained. "Despite Ga-eun's explicit refusal to be touched, Lee ignored her boundaries and continued to subject her to unwanted contact. My daughter was trapped in a situation she couldn't escape from."

During the press conference, the emotional toll on Ga-eun was evident. Her mother described how the CEO's actions not only affected her daughter’s mental health but also strained family relationships. "My daughter felt she had to endure this for her career, but it has cost her so much more than I could have imagined," she lamented.

As the allegations gained traction, 143 Entertainment issued a statement in response to the claims. They asserted that the accusations were largely unfounded and indicated that the company would cooperate fully with the police investigation. The statement expressed regret over the situation but emphasized that they believed many aspects of the victim's claims were inaccurate.

"We will actively cooperate with the police investigation and correct any distorted information based on objective data," the statement read. "It is unfortunate that the member's side has chosen to pursue legal action after demanding a large sum of money as consolation for an incident that was already reported last year."

Lee Yong-hak's alleged actions have sparked outrage among fans and advocates for artists' rights. Many are calling for greater accountability in the entertainment industry, particularly regarding the treatment of young idols. The incident has also highlighted the need for stronger protections for minors in the industry.

Former 143 Entertainment team leader Heo Yu-jeong also spoke at the press conference, sharing her experiences with the CEO's behavior. She described instances where Lee would create divisions among the group members, often pitting them against each other. "There were many times when he would tell one member that another was taking her place in a program, causing unnecessary conflict and distress," she recalled.

Heo further clarified that allegations suggesting Ga-eun had caused trouble within the group were unfounded. "Adolescents are naturally emotional and may argue, but Ga-eun always tried to mediate and keep the peace among her peers," she stated.

This case is not the first of its kind in the entertainment industry, as similar allegations have surfaced in the past, leading to calls for systemic changes to protect artists, especially minors. Legal experts have noted that the consequences of such actions can be severe, with potential penalties under the Act on the Protection of Children and Adolescents from Sexual Abuse including imprisonment and fines.

The incident has drawn attention not only from the public but also from various organizations advocating for the rights of minors in the entertainment sector. Activists are urging for reforms that ensure better protections and support systems for young performers who may find themselves in vulnerable situations.

As the investigation progresses, many are watching closely to see how 143 Entertainment will handle the fallout from these allegations and whether any significant changes will be made in the industry to safeguard young idols from similar experiences in the future.

In this challenging environment, Ga-eun's bravery in coming forward has been commended by many, and her case serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing struggles that young artists face in the entertainment world.

The outcome of the police investigation is eagerly anticipated, as it may set a precedent for how such cases are handled in the future and could lead to broader discussions about the treatment of young talent in the industry.