Singer CL and the CEO of actor Kang Dong-won’s agency have been referred to prosecutors on charges of operating entertainment agencies without proper registration, authorities confirmed.
According to the Yongsan Police Station in Seoul, CL and an agency representative identified as Mr. A are scheduled to be indicted without detention on January 23 and referred to the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office for alleged violations of the Popular Culture and Arts Industry Development Act.
Allegations Related to Agency Registration
CL established her one-person agency Very Cherry in 2020. Investigators found that the company had been operated for more than five years without registering as a popular culture and arts management business with the relevant local government authority, as required by law.
Similarly, Mr. A, the CEO of Kang Dong-won’s agency, allegedly founded a corporation in 2023 and continued operations without completing the mandatory registration process. Authorities clarified that Kang Dong-won himself was not involved in the company’s management and has therefore been cleared of suspicion.
Background of the Investigation
The investigation began in September last year following a formal complaint alleging that several one-person agencies operated under celebrities’ names were conducting business without proper registration. During the probe, police identified multiple agencies including those linked to CL, Kang Dong-won, Ock Joo-hyun, Kim Wan-sun, Sung Si-kyung, Song Ga-in, and Lee Ha-nui as having operated while unregistered under the same legal framework.
Legal Context and Possible Penalties
Under Article 26 of the Popular Culture and Arts Industry Development Act, any entity engaging in popular culture and arts management must register with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism through the local administrative office overseeing the business location. Failure to comply can result in up to two years in prison or fines of up to 20 million won. Additionally, all business activities conducted while unregistered may be deemed illegal, and administrative measures such as business suspension may be imposed.
Current Status
Both CL and Mr. A have been referred to prosecutors without detention, and further legal determinations will be made following prosecutorial review. No additional statements have been released by the parties involved as of this report.