Amid growing controversy, the mother of a former idol group member under 143 Entertainment plans to hold a press conference on April 29 to address allegations of sexual assault against CEO Lee Yong-hak.
The Hanbit Media Labor Rights Center (Hanbit Center) announced on April 28 that the press conference would include a full account of the incident, and demands for an official apology and the permanent removal of the accused CEO from the company.
According to the Hanbit Center, the incident occurred in October 2024 when CEO Lee Yong-hak, also known by his producer alias “Digital Master,” allegedly called a teenage idol trainee to his office, where he subjected her to three hours of verbal abuse, threats, and sexual assault, including acts of harassment causing deep humiliation.
At the time, the victim was a minor under the age of 19, protected under South Korea’s Child and Youth Sexual Protection Act.
Initially, CEO Lee Yong-hak admitted his wrongdoing and promised to step down and maintain separation from the victim. However, he soon reversed his position, denied the incident, and engaged in actions that defamed the victim’s reputation. Without notifying her, 143 Entertainment expelled the victim from her group, further aggravating her suffering.
The Hanbit Center stated, “Over the past six months, the victim and her family have endured tremendous emotional distress. Despite the victim’s desire to continue her career, 143 Entertainment’s unilateral expulsion shattered her dreams.”
They further accused the company of maintaining the exclusive contract to block the victim’s future opportunities while shifting blame onto her.
The press conference aims to publicize the true facts, correct the distorted narrative, and begin restoring the victim’s honor. The Hanbit Center also urged the media to avoid repeating false allegations, such as the unfounded claim that the victim had brought a boyfriend to the dormitory — a rumor spread without consent and unrelated to the incident.
Additionally, they requested media outlets refrain from using images or videos that could sensationalize the victim’s identity and inflict further emotional harm.
As the scandal unfolds, public attention continues to intensify, raising urgent questions about protection for minors in the entertainment industry and accountability for power abuse within agencies.