The world of K-pop has been rocked by serious allegations involving agency CEO Park Jun Sang and one of its rookie stars. In a report that has shocked the industry and fans, a girl group member, identified by South Korean media as Limelight’s Gaeun (also known as Madein), has accused the CEO of her agency of sexual abuse.
A disturbing complaint against the CEO of agency 143
On November 22, the research program JTBC Incident Room revealed alarming details about the case, based on testimonies from the young woman’s parents.
According to the complaints, the events occurred shortly after the group’s debut, after an argument between the artist and the CEO. The young woman, who at the time was under 19 years old, would have been discovered taking a boy she likes, whom it is assumed she was dating, to the group’s accommodation, which led to a reprimand from the businessman.
During that conversation, Gaeun, desperate to maintain her career, would have asked to be allowed to continue her activities and Park Jun Sang would have responded in a disturbing way: he asked her to act as his “girlfriend for a day” in exchange for granting his wish.
Apparently, what began as an ambiguous proposal became a traumatic experience for the young woman. In a harrowing account, Gaeun claimed to have been taken to a closed room, where the CEO, without her consent, began touching her, despite her repeatedly and flatly telling him that she did not want to. The situation worsened when he took her to a movie theater.
Gaeun reported that the man insisted, saying phrases like “Can I touch your chest?” or “And your butt, just once?”, while she defended herself firmly.
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Madein’s agency denies the allegations
The complaint also mentions that, despite the artist’s attempts to protect herself and resist, the harassment lasted two hours. At first, Park Jun Sang denied everything but then, after pressure from the girl’s parents and the evidence presented, he finally confessed. However, he later began to deny the accusations and retract his confession, causing even more uncertainty and unrest.
The agency 143, who represents Madein, the group to which the victim belongs, has responded to these allegations forcefully. A spokesperson for the company denied the allegations and claimed that Gaeun had been the one who initiated the proposal, suggesting that she had said, “Let me remain part of the team and I will act as your girlfriend for a day.” In addition, the agency claimed to have evidence of a car trip between the two, during which normal conversations were supposedly held, with no evidence of inappropriate behavior. However, this evidence has not yet been presented.
The debate over abuse in the K-pop industry
The case has resonated on social media and in the media, with a large number of fans and critics questioning the veracity of the agency’s version. In the midst of this controversy, Gaeun has deleted all content from his Instagram account, increasing speculation about the impact this incident has had on his personal well-being and career.
The story has also sparked a broader debate about the safety and well-being of idols in the entertainment industry. In an environment where pressure, exposure and control by agencies can be overwhelming, accounts of abuse and exploitation have begun to emerge more frequently in recent times.
On the other hand, some experts point out that these types of incidents reflect a culture of power and abuse in the music industry that is often overlooked. Protective measures and reporting protocols may need serious review to ensure that artists, especially younger and inexperienced ones, do not fall victim to these types of situations.
Meanwhile, uncertainty continues to surround Gaeun’s and Madein’s future. The group’s fans, for their part, expect clear answers and a process that brings justice and security to the industry.
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