Former Madein member files complaint against 143 Entertainment CEO for sexual assault

Representatives of a former member of 143 Entertainment’s girl group Madein hold a press conference at the Korea Press Center in Jung District, Seoul, Tuesday, over sexual assault allegations. Korea Times photo by Woo Da-bin

A former member of K-pop girl group Madein has filed a police complaint against the CEO of 143 Entertainment, accusing him of sexual assault.

According to the alleged victim, referred to as A, the CEO, identified as B, summoned her to his office last October, where he subjected her to verbal abuse and threats for three hours before committing acts of sexual assault and harassment. At the time, A was under 19 years old and protected under Korea’s Act on the Protection of Children and Youth against Sexual Offenses.

A press conference regarding the case was held Monday at the Korea Press Center in Seoul, organized by the Hanbit Media Labor Rights Center. A’s mother spoke at the event, accompanied by the victim’s legal representative and several advocates.

The representatives said B initially admitted wrongdoing and promised to step down and maintain physical distance from A, but later reversed his position, denied the allegations and defamed A.

They also claimed that 143 Entertainment dismissed the accusations as groundless and removed A from the group without notice.

They said A suffered significant damage due to the agency’s unfair and unreasonable actions and could no longer maintain her exclusive contract. Despite this, the agency allegedly blamed the victim for the situation.

Speaking to the media, A’s mother said physical contact escalated after A graduated from high school and that the family initially attempted to resolve the situation quietly by requesting the CEO’s written pledge to ensure her safety.

"Although my child repeatedly sent distress signals, I failed to recognize them," she said. "Even after unimaginable things happened, my child still wanted to continue activities for the fans."

The mother also criticized JTBC’s "Crime Chief" for airing a recording without their consent. She claimed that B pressured A to post a false statement online, further exacerbating the trauma.

"Why must the victim act like the perpetrator?" she said. "My child dedicated everything to this company from a young age. There is no hope for either idol activities or a sincere apology."

Handwritten pledge disclosed

A’s attorney, Moon Hyo-jung, said that anyone convicted of molesting a minor under the age of 19 faces a minimum of two years in prison or a fine ranging from 10 million won ($7,300) to 30 million won.

A handwritten pledge by 143 Entertainment’s CEO apologizing for sexual harassment, disclosed by the mother of a former Madein member. Korea Times photo by Woo Da-bin

"Victims of such crimes suffer irreparable harm and lifelong psychological trauma," Moon said. "The victim possesses multiple pieces of evidence that will be submitted, and we plan to seek additional measures through the National Human Rights Commission. We ask the public to watch carefully how the case proceeds, especially in light of B’s denial of the allegations."

During the press conference, A’s side also disclosed a handwritten pledge written by B. In the document, B wrote, "I sincerely apologize for the sexual harassment. In regard to all future contractual matters with 143 Entertainment, I will resign from my position as CEO to avoid disadvantaging A, and I will grant A priority rights in any contract renewals or other contractual dealings," followed by B’s handwritten signature.

The sexual assault allegations were first made public in November through JTBC’s "Crime Chief," which reported that a rookie girl group member had been assaulted by her agency’s CEO, based on recordings and whistleblower testimony. At the time, 143 Entertainment denied the allegations, claiming there had been no inappropriate conduct between the CEO and the member.

Agency issues denial

In response, 143 Entertainment issued an official statement hours after the press conference, denying allegations of sexual misconduct by its CEO.

"Many parts of the claims made by the former member’s side differ from the facts," 143 Entertainment said. "As a police investigation is currently underway, we are actively cooperating and plan to correct the distorted claims based on objective evidence."

The agency also expressed regret over the situation, saying, "It is unfortunate that after demanding a large settlement based on one-sided claims related to an incident reported last year, they proceeded to file a criminal complaint nearly six months after the request was denied."

It also said it hopes the truth will be fully revealed through the investigation and that it will take full responsibility, depending on the legal outcome.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.