Asian Junkie Asian pop. Without discretion.
Former MADEIN member Gaeun has been a point of concern for fans since late last year, and her status is the reason for an ongoing boycott of 143 Entertainment by fans, but there has been relative radio silence on that front for a while now. However, recently a press conference was held where Gaeun filed a sexual harassment complaint against her company CEO.
It’s framed as sexual harassment, perhaps for legal purposes, but everything about it sounds like at least sexual assault.
In attendance were the mother of the plaintiff, her legal representative, the former A&R team leader of 143 Entertainment, representatives from the Hanbit Media Labor Human Rights Center, and more.
The victim’s legal representative and attorney Moon Hyo Jung stated, “This case involves the agency’s CEO (hereinafter referred to as Mr. A) committing a sexual harassment crime against a female idol group member against her will. Although Mr. A initially admitted to the inappropriate conduct and apologized several times, he later changed his stance, claiming that the sexual contact was not forced, using the victim’s ongoing activities as leverage.”
She continued, “The victim recently submitted a complaint against Mr. A to the local police station. It is expected that the police will summon him for questioning soon.”
The representatives from the Hanbit Media Labor Human Rights Center stated, “The CEO called the idol group member into his office, where he verbally abused and threatened her for three hours, then committed acts of sexual harassment that caused her humiliation. At the time, the victim was under the age of 19 and was therefore a minor protected under the Act on the Protection of Children and Juveniles from Sexual Abuse.”
It’s notable that a former company A&R will apparently be supporting her case.
Specifically, Gaeun’s mother alleged the CEO would pit the members against each other in one-on-one meetings, the members were cut off from contact with the outside world (including one being berated after contacting an instructor personally), the CEO sexually harassed and assaulted Gaeun only to then attempt to coerce her to downplay the incident on social media, and the CEO refused a settlement payment because it would admit to guilt.
The physical contact that started lightly became burdensome after graduating from high school. Gaeun clearly stated ‘Stop touching my body now,but CEO Lee Yong Hak ignored her and continued to mistreat her. That’s when the incident happened. When I heard what happened to her, I felt like a sinner. The child sent me distress signals a few times, but I didn’t listen. As a result of ignoring her, something unimaginable happened to the child.
There was some debate for a while over who the allegation was against, but now we know it’s Lee Yong Hak.
Gaeun herself also wrote a letter addressing the situation.
Hello, this is Gaeun. It took me longer than I thought to write this. In a world filled with recordings and untrue stories I didn’t even know existed, it made it hard and took much courage to speak out.
Despite all this, I genuinely thank everyone who believed in me, waited, and supported me. Your warm hearts gave me great comfort and the strength to write this. Regardless, I sincerely apologize for making you wait so long.
During that time, I tried to calm my mind so that emotions wouldn’t sway me as I faced this situation. Being an idol wasn’t just a job for me; it was my dream and a part of my life that I wanted since I was young. Every moment on stage, making eye contact with fans, and the sweat and tears in the practice room are precious memories I can’t express in words.
However, as I continued, some hardships overshadowed those memories. I had to endure unwanted situations, unfair treatment, and unexpected disadvantages, but I never once thought about giving up my dream. I wanted to endure it all until the end because I feared my dream of becoming an idol would end.
After the broadcast, I heard of my withdrawal from the team through a news article. I had to leave without any explanation or greeting to the fans, and this still remains a deep wound to me.
I was so sad and felt so wronged. Since this was a dream I had since I was young, I will no longer hide and tell you my feelings and the things that have happened so far. Although I still lack in many ways, I will reach out to you all with all my heart. Thank you for waiting and trusting in me. And I am sorry for making you worry.
143 responded to the charges, claiming they are cooperating with the police and basically trying to frame this as a money grab.
There are many aspects of the claims made by the member’s side that do not align with the facts. However, as a police investigation is currently underway, we will actively cooperate with the investigation and, in the process, seek to correct any distortions based on objective evidence.
Additionally, it is deeply regrettable that the member’s side, regarding an incident that was already reported last year, demanded a large settlement based solely on their unilateral claims, and when this was refused, proceeded to file a criminal complaint about six months after the incident occurred.
I don’t know how the legal system will rule on this.
I do know that — even only based on 143 Entertainment’s own words in their defense — the company was morally completely in the wrong and inappropriate towards Gaeun, and the CEO responsible should never be allowed to work in the industry again, at bare minimum.
Update
Okay, I just saw this, but here’s the apology letter that the CEO wrote to Gaeun for the sexual assault.
Apology Letter Written by CEO Lee Yong-hak Regarding Sexual Assault Incident pic.twitter.com/xNRXDmOuMO
— The Seven Pact (@TheSevenPact) April 29, 2025
Christ.
