Park Na-rae breaks silence, says ex-managers demanded hundreds of millions of won

Park Na-rae / Xportsnews

Korean TV star Park Na-rae has spoken out for the first time after being caught up in an abuse-of-power controversy involving two former managers who, according to her agency, allegedly demanded enormous payouts after resigning.

Park, one of Korea’s best-known comedians and variety personalities, became the center of debate online this week after local reports suggested that staff members had accused her of unfair treatment. The claims quickly spread across social media, triggering heated discussions among the MZ-generation — a Korean term referring to millennials and Gen Z — and raising questions about the treatment of employees in Korea’s entertainment industry.

On Dec. 5, her agency, Npark Co., said it is “checking the exact facts” surrounding media reports based on statements from Park and her former managers.

Agency says ex-managers asked for share of company's revenue

Npark said two employees who had worked with Park for about 15 months recently resigned and received standard severance. However, after receiving it, the former staff allegedly demanded an additional payment equivalent to 10 percent of the company’s previous year’s revenue, which the agency said later grew to several hundred million won.

The agency described itself as a “small, single-artist management company,” saying the employees also raised issues about delays in the company’s registration under Korea’s pop-culture business regulations. But Npark said the delay stemmed from the responsibility of one of the employees, who allegedly “falsely reported that the process had been completed.” The agency said it is now finalizing its registration process.

Park says she suffered ‘mental shock’ amid resignations, escalating demands

According to Npark, the two former managers continued to pressure Park and the agency, with their requested payouts increasing over time. The agency said the situation caused Park significant emotional strain.

“Park Na-rae is experiencing heavy psychological stress and mental shock due to the sudden resignations, the baseless accusations that followed, the escalating monetary demands and additional pressure through media reports,” the agency said.

It added that Park acknowledges shortcomings in her management practices and “has no intention of avoiding responsibility where she is at fault.” However, the agency said Park can “no longer comply with unilateral demands based on claims that do not reflect the truth” and will take legal action.

This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.