The mother of A, a member of the group Maidin, who was allegedly sexually assaulted by B, the CEO of 143 Entertainment, made an emotional appeal.
On the morning of the 29th, a press conference was held at the Media Union conference room in Jung-gu, Seoul, regarding the sexual assault complaint against B, the CEO of 143 Entertainment, to which Maidin belongs.
Those present included the victim A's mother, legal representatives, the former A&R team leader of 143 Entertainment, and representatives from the Hanbit Media Labor Rights Center.
Previously, the Hanbit Center stated, "In October of last year, B, the founder and CEO of 143 Entertainment, called in an idol member and verbally abused and threatened the individual for three hours, followed by sexual assault and sexual harassment that caused feelings of humiliation. At that time, the victim was under the age of 19 and was a minor protected by the Child and Youth Sexual Protection Act."
It continued, "Immediately after the incident, B acknowledged his wrongdoing and promised to separate from the victim, but soon denied the facts, broke the promise, and tarnished the victim's reputation with distorted words. Additionally, 143 Entertainment denied B's wrongdoing, dismissing it as baseless, and expelled the victim from the group without notifying them at all."
In this context, the Hanbit Center emphasized, "The actions of B, the CEO of 143 Entertainment, which shifted responsibility onto the victim, have caused immense pain to the victim and their family over the past six months. Despite the victim's desire to continue their activities, this was ruined by 143 Entertainment's unilateral expulsion. We aim to correct the facts and publicize this matter to restore the tarnished reputation of the victim and ease their mental suffering."
At the press conference, the victim's mother said, "B, under the pretext of counseling, called in the members one by one to sow discord. As a result, they were unable to trust their peers. As a mother, I felt that I had to endure to achieve our goals. That is how society works. I was pressured with questions like 'Did you want to start this?' and followed everything, fearing it would harm my child. I never thought this would become a source of trouble. Despite struggling, my child tried to continue idol activities, being reassured that I loved them like my own daughter."
The mother stated, "The child, who had been confined every day, was isolated from friends and acquaintances. Even knowing that the child consulted with the dance teacher, the CEO came to the dormitory day and night to check their phone. What once felt like light physical contact became more burdensome as they graduated high school. My child clearly told the CEO to stop touching their body, but the CEO continued to impose disadvantages and unfair treatment in the workplace."
She continued, "Then the incident occurred. The moment I heard my child's story, I honestly thought I was a sinner. My child had sent distress signals multiple times, but I ignored them. As a result, my child had to experience things unimaginable. Nevertheless, my child wanted to continue as Maidin, valuing the new fans. I felt utterly lost and couldn’t report it according to my child's wishes; I planned to quietly end their activities after receiving an agreement from the CEO. I was told that the CEO would step back. However, instead of retreating, the CEO interfered with each schedule and acted as if nothing had happened by whistling. My child said they felt like going crazy hearing the whistle sound in their ear."
Additionally, the mother said, "My child ultimately collapsed. Every day felt like hell. I was consumed by guilt for not being able to protect my child, and my life itself crumbled. Then, suddenly, a recording of my child was broadcasted from the investigative team. It was a recording that I had neither consented to nor disclosed. I had intended to quietly end our activities for the sake of my child's dream and future, but after the broadcast, my child trembled in fear. We thought we could no longer trust anyone. My husband met the CEO and was told that they would meet all demands, and during the negotiations, the CEO asked my child to like a post on Instagram, stating that the company would issue a press statement first. My child complied. It did not end there; the CEO asked them to post a statement as well. That statement was full of lies, and I questioned why the victim had to act like the perpetrator, so I refused. Then the CEO's attitude changed. I felt desolate."
She continued, "From a young age, everything was at stake with this company, 143. I felt lost about what my child should do in the future. In a situation where neither idol activities nor the CEO's apology could be expected, the only thing I could ask for was the settlement money. It pains me to admit this, but we are a family with nothing. It was a foolish mindset of parents worried about their child's future. To others, it may appear that we were simply demanding money, and I didn’t realize my child could be hurt. I feel guilt and regret. The CEO rejected the settlement money, stating that admitting guilt was not necessary. He left with threats, saying my child might get hurt, and after that, there was no contact at all, and the withdrawal article was published."
In closing, the mother said, "We, who are powerless, could not respond to the end. My child wanted to continue with Maidin. They wanted to keep that hope, but we couldn't. I will forever be a sinner to my daughter. In trying to do what’s best for my child, I pushed them deeper into darkness. I am sorry, truly sorry. I bow my head in respect to my daughter, who has endured and survived through four years which I could never bear. Now, I genuinely want to protect my child. I want to alleviate the heavy burden they carry and help them do what they want. I believe that such a person should be expelled from the industry and must pay for their crimes."
[Photo] OSEN DB
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