CJ Group Chairman Lee Jae Hyun is facing serious allegations after a complaint was submitted to South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST), calling for an investigation into claims that he orchestrated scandalous “DJ parties” involving celebrities, models, and influencers.
According to Safe Times, the whistleblower emphasized that the matter extends far beyond a private gathering, suggesting it could undermine public trust and fairness within the cultural and entertainment ecosystem. The complaint specifically called for a review of potential violations of the Cultural Industry Development Act and requested accountability should any illegal activity be confirmed.
The whistleblower criticized the incident as running counter to CJ’s corporate philosophy of “OnlyOne” — meaning “First, Best, Different” — and pointed out that previous attempts to cover up or delete reports, including an article removed just an hour after publication by Sports Kyunghyang, only fueled public outrage.
The controversy echoes CJ ENM’s past credibility crisis following the Produce X 101 vote manipulation scandal. Observers warn that if proven true, the allegations could gravely damage the fairness and competitive order in Korea’s entertainment industry.
Authorities are now reportedly reviewing the complaint and considering whether to escalate the case to law enforcement. Analysts note that in today’s heightened governance and accountability climate, the personal conduct of corporate leaders can directly affect market trust and brand reputation.
The scandal also raises concerns about CJ’s image among female consumers, who form a major part of the company’s customer base. If allegations that women were used as entertainment tools are substantiated, it could seriously undermine the conglomerate’s credibility and ethical standing.
CJ has yet to release an official statement. However, reports claim the company’s PR team has attempted to suppress unfavorable coverage, allegedly contacting media outlets to remove articles and offering replacement press releases with “more positive” narratives.
The accusations stem from Dispatch’s report on September 25, which detailed alleged recruitment methods through direct messages on social media. Women reportedly underwent appearance-based selection, followed by instructions to dress in specific outfits — such as black stockings and high heels of at least 9 cm — before being transported through multiple location changes to maintain secrecy. Some testimonies claim guests were required to greet the chairman upon arrival, with explicit instructions to perform suggestive dances. Attendees allegedly received envelopes of cash, while the “best performer” of the evening remained behind with the chairman.
Lee Jae Hyun is no stranger to controversy. In 2017, he was sentenced to two years and six months in prison for tax evasion of 50 billion won and embezzlement of 70 billion won, but served only four months before being granted a rare special pardon.
With authorities now under pressure to act, the scandal threatens to become a defining crisis for CJ’s leadership and corporate ethics.
Sources: kenh14
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