Television personality Park Na Rae has been referred to prosecutors over allegations that she assaulted and mistreated her former managers, casting further doubt over when—or if—she will be able to resume her entertainment career.
Although she has not been found guilty in court, public sentiment has continued to deteriorate after police concluded that there was sufficient evidence to recommend prosecution. Many industry observers believe a comeback will be difficult in the near future regardless of the final legal outcome.
On July 10, Seoul’s Gangnam Police Station referred Park to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office with a recommendation for indictment on charges including special assault and violations of the Information and Communications Network Act.
The case stems from complaints filed by Park’s former managers in December of last year. They accused the comedian of special assault, defamation through the dissemination of false information, and violations of the Information and Communications Network Act. One former manager submitted a medical report documenting injuries requiring two weeks of treatment, alleging that Park verbally abused them for refusing to drink alcohol. They further claimed that she threw a drinking glass, leaving them with facial bruises and a hand injury that required four stitches.
Park, meanwhile, filed counter-complaints against her former managers, accusing them of attempted extortion and occupational embezzlement. During three rounds of police questioning conducted between February and May, she denied all allegations. She acknowledged throwing a glass onto the floor but insisted she never threw it at anyone directly, adding that the former manager’s injury claims were untrue.
Police have also continued investigating separate allegations that Park received unauthorized medical procedures from an unlicensed practitioner commonly referred to in Korea as an “injection auntie,” in possible violation of the Medical Service Act.
The latest development has further clouded Park’s future in broadcasting. Before the controversy, she had established herself as one of Korea’s most recognizable entertainers through variety shows. While prosecutors could still decide not to indict her, police’s conclusion that the workplace abuse allegations were substantiated has significantly damaged public perception. Her previous explanations—including admitting she threw a glass onto the floor—have done little to improve public opinion.
The separate investigation into the alleged illegal medical treatments could also become another major obstacle. According to reports, Park’s former managers claim to possess audio recordings suggesting she knew the practitioner was not a licensed doctor. They further alleged that she repeatedly received intravenous injections at multiple locations, including her Seoul residence, the practitioner’s home in Ilsan, and even inside a moving vehicle.
The controversy has also affected others in the entertainment industry. SHINee member Key and YouTuber Short Mouth Sun were reportedly linked to the same practitioner. Both stated they believed the individual was a licensed physician and temporarily suspended their activities. Short Mouth Sun has since reportedly focused on operating a dog café in Paju, while Key resumed entertainment activities last month following SHINee’s sixth mini-album release.
Despite those examples, industry insiders believe Park’s situation is fundamentally different. Key returned through group promotions backed by SHINee’s established fanbase, while Short Mouth Sun largely stepped away from media work. Park, however, built her career primarily through mainstream variety shows, where public approval plays a far greater role. As a result, experts say rebuilding her image will be essential before any successful comeback can take place.
Ultimately, Park Na Rae’s future will depend on the prosecutors’ decision. If prosecutors proceed with formal charges and the case goes to trial, many believe her return to television will remain unlikely until the court reaches a verdict. Legal experts have suggested that while the alleged Medical Service Act violations may carry a relatively lower risk of severe punishment, the special assault charge could prove far more difficult to resolve if no settlement is reached between the parties.
Sources: Nate
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