SOURCE: [단독] 씨엘 '기획사 불법운영' 불구속 송치···강동원은 대표가 검찰행
Agencies of Kang Dongwon and CL have been sent to prosecution for failing to register as official entertainment agencies.
On the 22nd, the Seoul Yongsan Police Station confirmed that they have sent CL (Lee Chaerin) and her agency, as well as CEO 'A' of Kang Dongwon's agency and the agency, to the Seoul Western District Prosecutors Office without detention on charges of violating the Popular Culture and Arts Industry Development Act.
CL is accused of running her one-person agency for around 5 years and 7 months without registering the business with the local district office after establishing it in February 2020. Since CL personally served as the agency's CEO and managed its operations, she was handed over to the prosecution as a suspect.
CEO 'A' of Kang Dongwon's agency was also found to have operated his agency without registration for around 2 years and 9 months since its establishment in January 2023. However, Kang Dongwon was cleared of wrongdoing because he was not involved in the management or operation of the agency and had focused solely on his acting career.
The case arose when a complainant filed a report stating, "The Popular Culture and Arts Industry Development Act was enacted for the public interest by protecting vulnerable artists such as minors and trainees, improving unfair practices, and making sure businesses compete fairly. Running a business for a long time without registering it means that the business was conducted outside these safety guards, which is a serious issue. It undermines the protection of rookies and youth, damages the trust of business partners, and harms the fairness of the market."
Recently, it has become a social issue that some celebrities operate one-person agencies without registering their businesses, which is one of the legal requirements. Under current law, such registration is mandatory to operate an entertainment agency. Violations are punishable by up to 2years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million KRW.
Regarding this matter, the Korea Entertainment Management Association (CEMA) stated, "It shouldn't be taken lightly that famous celebrities, who should be one of the most compliant people, operate business without registrations for years." They also announced plans for strong countermeasures, including future legal complaints.
