Hanbit Media Labor Human Rights Center Issues Statement Condemning 143 Entertainment’s Inaction on the Sexual Assault Case and the Shameless Behavior of CEO Lee Yonghak
Hanbit Media Labor Human Rights Center Issues Statement Condemning 143 Entertainment’s Inaction on the Sexual Assault Case and the Shameless Behavior of CEO Lee Yonghak
>***We Condemn 143 Entertainment’s Inaction on the Sexual Assault Case and the Shameless Behavior of CEO Lee Yonghak***
> 143 Entertainment (hereinafter “143”) recently announced that their idol group would be promoting in Japan. It has been three months since the sexual assault committed by CEO Lee Yonghak was clearly exposed to the public, yet 143 has neither issued a proper apology nor taken any meaningful follow-up action—only denying the facts. While law enforcement has begun accelerating the investigation, the conduct of 143 and CEO Lee Yonghak remains outrageous. The company has offered no apology or response whatsoever regarding the situation. Even the formal announcement of Lee Yonghak’s resignation has quietly disappeared, and instead, his name was listed as Executive Producer and Head of Global Business in the credits of another artist’s music video released on July 31st.
> The company has yet to pay overdue production fees and wages, totaling hundreds of millions of won. Even more shockingly, it was revealed that 143 had signed exclusive contracts and arranged broadcast appearances for artists without registering as a legitimate agency under the Popular Culture and Arts Industry Development Act. This unregistered business operation has already been reported to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism by the Youth Media Human Rights Network, and additional investigations are expected. 143 not only failed to comply with basic administrative regulations, but also ignored wage delays during production and, above all, passively allowed its CEO to commit crimes against underage artists.
> What is even more serious is that CEO Lee Yonghak shows no remorse for his actions. Just last night, he posted a link to a private photo of the victim—unrelated to the current case—on his personal SNS account with the caption: “This is karma and justice.” Circumstantial evidence strongly suggests that Lee himself was the original distributor of the photo. This is not only a blatant attempt to blur the core issue but also a clear effort to defame the victim. Such conduct will undoubtedly face appropriate legal consequences.
> Prosecution of Lee Yonghak is imminent. There can be no justification for violence against a minor artist under any circumstances. Swift investigation and a firm ruling by the courts must ensure the victim’s safety and allow her to regain her daily life. Even now, 143 must issue an official apology for this incident. CEO Lee Yonghak must cease his disgraceful attempts to divert attention, genuinely repent, and fully comply with the proper legal procedures.
>***Hanbit Media Labor Human Rights Center***
threadbarefh on
I really wish more people paid attention to this. It’s a shame that the biggest part of their own fanbase is still acting like funding the company is the best/only option.
Will it really take a jmember, specifically Mashiro, being pushed aside for jfans (the biggest non-boycotters) to do something? Is the spotlight she’s receiving worth ignoring all the shady things the compang is doing? It’s seriously so disappointing that most Mameldans will answer yes.
Asleep-Priority-3 on
The fact that this company still exists and the CEO isn’t in prison is a fucking travesty.
It looks like they’re still pumping out content as if everything is normal. I genuinely hope the girls are safe but that’s not a good environment for any of them to stay in. I hope they’re able to get out soon.
SigmaKnight on
Still posting (or linking to?) photos of his victim? W.T.E.L.F.
143 needs to fold, and every employee be unemployed and never let back in the business (or any other where they deal with minors and young people). Nothing is redeemable from that place.
Mashiro, MiU, Suhye, Yeseo, Serina, and Nagomi need to be freed (and hopefully able to continue at something positive).
4 Comments
[Translation by TheSevenPact](https://xcancel.com/TheSevenPact/status/1952597219112095773)
>***We Condemn 143 Entertainment’s Inaction on the Sexual Assault Case and the Shameless Behavior of CEO Lee Yonghak***
> 143 Entertainment (hereinafter “143”) recently announced that their idol group would be promoting in Japan. It has been three months since the sexual assault committed by CEO Lee Yonghak was clearly exposed to the public, yet 143 has neither issued a proper apology nor taken any meaningful follow-up action—only denying the facts. While law enforcement has begun accelerating the investigation, the conduct of 143 and CEO Lee Yonghak remains outrageous. The company has offered no apology or response whatsoever regarding the situation. Even the formal announcement of Lee Yonghak’s resignation has quietly disappeared, and instead, his name was listed as Executive Producer and Head of Global Business in the credits of another artist’s music video released on July 31st.
> The company has yet to pay overdue production fees and wages, totaling hundreds of millions of won. Even more shockingly, it was revealed that 143 had signed exclusive contracts and arranged broadcast appearances for artists without registering as a legitimate agency under the Popular Culture and Arts Industry Development Act. This unregistered business operation has already been reported to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism by the Youth Media Human Rights Network, and additional investigations are expected. 143 not only failed to comply with basic administrative regulations, but also ignored wage delays during production and, above all, passively allowed its CEO to commit crimes against underage artists.
> What is even more serious is that CEO Lee Yonghak shows no remorse for his actions. Just last night, he posted a link to a private photo of the victim—unrelated to the current case—on his personal SNS account with the caption: “This is karma and justice.” Circumstantial evidence strongly suggests that Lee himself was the original distributor of the photo. This is not only a blatant attempt to blur the core issue but also a clear effort to defame the victim. Such conduct will undoubtedly face appropriate legal consequences.
> Prosecution of Lee Yonghak is imminent. There can be no justification for violence against a minor artist under any circumstances. Swift investigation and a firm ruling by the courts must ensure the victim’s safety and allow her to regain her daily life. Even now, 143 must issue an official apology for this incident. CEO Lee Yonghak must cease his disgraceful attempts to divert attention, genuinely repent, and fully comply with the proper legal procedures.
>***Hanbit Media Labor Human Rights Center***
I really wish more people paid attention to this. It’s a shame that the biggest part of their own fanbase is still acting like funding the company is the best/only option.
Will it really take a jmember, specifically Mashiro, being pushed aside for jfans (the biggest non-boycotters) to do something? Is the spotlight she’s receiving worth ignoring all the shady things the compang is doing? It’s seriously so disappointing that most Mameldans will answer yes.
The fact that this company still exists and the CEO isn’t in prison is a fucking travesty.
It looks like they’re still pumping out content as if everything is normal. I genuinely hope the girls are safe but that’s not a good environment for any of them to stay in. I hope they’re able to get out soon.
Still posting (or linking to?) photos of his victim? W.T.E.L.F.
143 needs to fold, and every employee be unemployed and never let back in the business (or any other where they deal with minors and young people). Nothing is redeemable from that place.
Mashiro, MiU, Suhye, Yeseo, Serina, and Nagomi need to be freed (and hopefully able to continue at something positive).