Lee Yong-hak, the CEO of 143 Entertainment, admitted to the fact that he assaulted Gaeun, a member of the girl group Maidin, in a written statement and recorded conversation that have been made public.
According to the entertainment industry on the 29th, Gaeun's mother, her lawyer, and the former Head of Team of 143 Entertainment held a press conference to file a complaint against the idol member for sexual assault against CEO Lee Yong-hak, stating he has been reported to the Gangnam Police Station this month on charges of sexual assault (violation of the Protection of Children and Juveniles from Sexual Abuse Act).
Kim Young-min, the head of the Hanbit Media Labor Rights Center, disclosed a handwritten document from CEO Lee Yong-hak. The document stated, "I, Lee Yong-hak, sincerely apologize for the sexual assault against the member" and that "in the future, in the context of contracts related to 143 Entertainment, I will take responsibility to ensure that there will be no disadvantage to myself separate from my legal duties as the CEO, and I will grant priority in extensions of contracts and other contractual relationships."
Some portions of the recorded conversation of CEO Lee Yong-hak were also made public. At a gathering of Maidin members' parents, when Gaeun's mother and others pressed him, asking, "Isn't what you did to the kids a crime?" CEO Lee Yong-hak was heard responding, "I'm sorry," in an apologetic tone.
Gaeun's mother said, "I urged my daughter that she must endure for her goals, telling her that 'loving you like my own daughter' was meant to support her," adding, "The moment I heard my child's story, I felt like a sinner." She further claimed, "My child sent me signals for help numerous times, but I did not listen," stating, "As a result of closing my eyes and ears, something unimaginable happened to my child."
The day before, Gaeun announced through her social media (SNS), "It’s a dream I’ve sincerely envisioned throughout my school years, so I will no longer avoid and will honestly express my feelings and what has happened so far," adding, "I still have many shortcomings and am clumsy, but I will approach you with all my sincerity."
In November of last year, a report was made public on JTBC's 'Incident Commander' about a company representative who had continuously sexually assaulted a member of a girl group. After Gaeun of Maidin was identified as the potential victim, 143 Entertainment denied the allegations. Gaeun later suspended her activities for health reasons and withdrew from the team. However, Gaeun claimed that she learned of her withdrawal through news articles.
On the same day, 143 Entertainment issued a statement, saying, "We are sorry that the representative of the management company has become embroiled in such controversy," and added, "While there are many discrepancies in the member's claims, since an investigation is currently ongoing, we will cooperate actively with the investigation and rectify any distorted portions based on objective data during the process."