Popular Korean Singer Revealed To Have Operated Her Agency Unregistered For Over Five Years, Issues Apology
Singer Lee Hi acknowledged her wrongdoing and apologized after controversy arose over the revelation that she had operated a one-person agency in an unregistered state for over five years.
On the 27th of January, Lee Hi’s agency stated, “Since Lee Hi has been carrying out her activities under an exclusive contract with our company, we were not aware in the process that a separate registration as a popular culture and arts planning business was required for a personal business entity,” adding, “As a result, we later completed the relevant educational course and recently finished the registration process.”
The agency said, “This incident occurred due to the ignorance and negligence of both the company and the artist. We apologize for causing concern, and going forward, we will more thoroughly check relevant laws and procedures and act cautiously to ensure that the same situation does not happen again.”
Earlier that day, one media outlet reported that the one-person agency established by Lee Hi in April 2020 had been illegally operated without registration with the relevant authorities. It also reported that the agency’s CEO is Lee Hi herself, and that it has taken the form of a family-run company, with her older sister, identified as Ms. Lee, serving as an inside director.
Under the current Popular Culture and Arts Industry Development Act, if a corporation or a personal business entity with more than one individual performs popular culture and arts planning activities without registering with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, it may be subject to up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million won [$13,856].
Lee Hi first gained attention in 2011 after finishing as the runner-up on the SBS music audition program “K-pop Star Season 1,” and debuted as a solo singer in October 2012. She has since received much love for songs such as “1,2,3,4,” “It’s Over,” “Hold My Hand,” and “BREATHE.”
Source: (A)
