According to reports by News1 on December 9, the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul received complaints from ex-managers against Park Na-rae for charges including special injury, defamation through false statements, and defamation via information and communications network violations.
On December 3, the former managers accused Park Na-rae of workplace bullying, verbal abuse, special injuries, proxy prescriptions, non-payment for hosting fees, and personal errands like running household chores, party clean-ups, and forced participation in drinking sessions. They also claimed they were on call 24 hours a day, revealing severe work pressure.
Park Na-rae’s agency responded by saying that the managers additionally demanded an amount equivalent to 10% of the company’s previous year revenue and threatened legal actions against them for coercion and embezzlement.
New allegations surfaced, claiming that Park Na-rae, as the de facto head of a one-person agency, embezzled funds by registering her ex-boyfriend as a full-time employee and paying him ₩44 million (approximately $33,000 USD) over 11 months without actual work performed. It was also alleged that her mother received ₩55 million (approximately $41,000 USD) in salary, and that Park Na-rae transferred about ₩300 million (around $230,000 USD) to her ex-boyfriend as a deposit for a lease.
Park Na-rae’s side refuted these claims, calling them extortion attempts disguised as complaints.
Further revelations about the managers’ working conditions were disclosed on December 8 by YouTuber Lee Jin-ho. He stated that two female managers had to be on call 24 hours and perform personal errands frequently, working up to 26 hours straight and returning for work immediately after finishing a shift. Despite having to cover the workload of four to five people, the managers’ pay was reportedly below ₩3 million (approx. $2,300 USD) monthly, far less than the initially promised ₩5 million (approx. $3,900 USD) plus 10% of company earnings.
Lee Jin-ho also explained that Park Na-rae parted ways with her long-term agency JDB in September last year and intended to continue working with her manager S under a standard contract with a revenue-sharing agreement. However, Park allegedly postponed formal contracts, assuring payment a year later while only providing verbal promises, which went unfulfilled.
Amid these controversies, Park Na-rae has withdrawn from her appearances on MBC’s I Live Alone and tvN’s Amazing Saturday.
This case highlights ongoing discussions about workplace rights and the treatment of staff in South Korea’s entertainment industry, where hierarchical and demanding work cultures are often criticized.
Sources: Nate,Star News
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