Agency Denies Claims After MADEIN Gaeun’s Press Conference on Assault Allegations
On April 29, 143 Entertainment stated, “We sincerely apologize for the controversy involving the management company’s representative. However, there are many discrepancies between the claims made by the former member’s side and the facts.”
The agency further emphasized, “As a police investigation is currently underway, we intend to fully cooperate and rectify any distorted information based on objective evidence.”
Additionally, 143 Entertainment expressed regret over the circumstances surrounding the complaint, “The former member’s side had demanded a large settlement based on unilateral claims related to a case reported last year. After the settlement was refused, they filed a criminal complaint about six months after the alleged incident. We deeply regret this course of action,” the company stated.
“We hope the truth will be clearly established, and we will take full responsibility according to the legal judgment.”
Earlier that day, the mother of the former member, alongside representatives from Hanbit Media Labor Rights Center, attorney Moon Hyo-jung from Law Firm Jeong-in, and other advocates, held a press conference to discuss the alleged assault.
The victim’s mother claimed that her daughter endured repeated unwanted physical contact but initially chose not to pursue legal action, instead seeking a private settlement due to her commitment to group activities. However, she alleged that after initially admitting wrongdoing, the CEO later reversed his stance and forcibly removed her daughter from the group.
Hanbit Media Labor Rights Center added, “The victim has recently submitted a criminal complaint to the local police station, and it is expected that police questioning will proceed soon.”
The former MADEIN member involved has been identified as Gaeun.
Previously, on November 22, JTBC’s Crime Chief reported that a rookie girl group member had been sexually assaulted by her agency’s CEO. Although the group name was not disclosed, it was widely speculated to be MADEIN based on the group’s debut timing and composition. Following the controversy, Gaeun departed from the team.
At that time, 143 Entertainment explained via social media that Gaeun left the group due to “personal reasons” that made continuing team activities difficult.
143 Entertainment’s Full Official Statement:
Hello, this is 143 Entertainment.
In relation to today’s press conference held by Hanbit Media Labor Rights Center, we would like to share our official position.
First, we apologize for the controversy involving our company’s representative.
There are many aspects of the former member’s claims that differ from the facts, but as a police investigation is ongoing, we will actively cooperate and seek to correct any misinformation with objective evidence.
We also regret that the former member’s side demanded a large settlement based on one-sided claims related to a case reported last year and then filed a criminal complaint approximately six months after the incident when the settlement was refused.
We hope that the truth will be thoroughly revealed and will fully take responsibility according to the legal judgment.
Thank you.