The issue of unregistered one-person agencies established by celebrities is coming to light one after another. Following singer and musical actress Ok Juhyun and singer Sung Si-kyung, it has been revealed that actor Kang Dong-won, trot singer Song Ga-in, and actress Kim Wan-sun's agencies have faced the same problem.
According to Asia Economy on the 18th, Kang Dong-won established AA Group in 2023 after his contract with YG Entertainment ended. Although Kang Dong-won has expanded his activities by launching a clothing brand, this corporation does not appear in the list of registered pop culture planning businesses. Similarly, Song Ga-in's GainDal Entertainment, established in September of last year, is also not listed, and Kim Wan-sun's KW Sunflower, which she founded with fan club members in 2020, faces the same issue.
According to the current law, entertainers who operate as more than one-person private businesses must register their pop culture planning business with the relevant administrative agency. This system was introduced in 2009 following disputes over exclusive contracts in the entertainment industry and incidents involving the deaths of celebrities, and it has been in full effect since July 2014. Violating this law can result in a prison sentence of up to two years or a fine of up to 20 million won.
Previously, the agencies of Ok Juhyun and Sung Si-kyung had operated in an unregistered state for several years, causing controversy. Regarding this matter, Ok Juhyun's side acknowledged the omission of administrative procedures and stated that they are currently in the process of registration. Sung Si-kyung's side explained that "the corporation was established in February 2011 when there were no applicable provisions" while also confirming that "they are currently in the registration process."