Gaeun, a former member of the girl group MAIDIN, has filed a complaint against the CEO of 143 Entertainment for sexual misconduct.
The Hanbit Media Labor Human Rights Center gave a press conference on April 29th at the Korea Press Center in Seoul, announcing that Gaeun had taken legal action against the CEO of 143 Entertainment on charges of sexual assault.
According to the Hanbit Center, the CEO allegedly summoned Gaeun—then a minor—to his office in October of the previous year. There, he subjected her to approximately three hours of verbal abuse, threats, sexual harassment, and acts of sexual assault, causing her severe emotional harm.
Gaeun’s mother claimed that her daughter faced ongoing workplace retaliation and verbal abuse after refusing physical contact from the CEO of 143 Entertainment. She stated that what began as minor physical touching escalated into increasingly inappropriate behavior after Gaeun graduated from high school. When Gaeun told the CEO to “stop touching me,” he allegedly ignored her and penalized her professionally.
The mother emotionally described Gaeun’s psychological distress, particularly noting that she still hears the whistle sound the CEO frequently made while interfering with their activities. She revealed that the family could no longer remain silent after the issue was raised on a television show. When they sought a settlement, the CEO allegedly threatened them, saying, “Gaeun might get hurt.” Shortly afterward, Gaeun’s departure from MAIDIN was announced without prior notice.
Former A&R team leader Heo Yoo Jung of 143 Entertainment supported the family’s claims, stating that the CEO often showed favoritism and caused rifts among group members. She recounted an instance where a crying parent confronted the CEO over unfair treatment.
The Hanbit Center added that, although the CEO initially admitted to wrongdoing and promised to avoid further contact, he later retracted his admission, denied the allegations, and defamed Gaeun’s reputation. Gaeun’s legal team has officially filed a complaint with the police, and an investigation is expected to proceed soon.
On the same day, 143 Entertainment issued an official statement countering the allegations. “There are many discrepancies between the claims and the facts,” the company stated, adding that they will fully cooperate with the ongoing police investigation. The agency also expressed regret that the criminal complaint was filed approximately six months after the alleged incident.
MAIDIN debuted as a seven-member group but has continued promoting as a six-member team following Gaeun’s departure at the end of last year.
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