Comedian Park Na-Rae spat with her former managers is seeing a dead-end. The controversy which refuses to die, is reaching a new crescendo everyday. Infact, it has intensified to the extent that TV broadcasters
are pulling out the plug on Park's shows, amid a slew of back and forth statements about the potential legal repercussions of the matter.
What is the controversy?
Last week, two of Park Na-Rae's former managers filed criminal charges against the TV star for workplace harassment, aggravated assault, proxy prescriptions, and unpaid production expenses. As per reports, Park is said to have used the company's costs for illegal medical services and threw alcohol glasses at former managers.
Accusations against Park
The managers accused Park of abuse and exploitation, putting the agency under massive public scrutiny. Park also got suspected of paying salaries to her ex-boyfriend and family members while underpaying her actual employees.Park was even accused of embezzling funds, acting as the de facto sole representative of her agency. Korean media reported that she allegedly registered her ex-boyfriend as an employee, paying him 44.0 million KRW (about $29,900) in 11 months. She is said to have also paid her mother 55.0 million KRW (about $37,400) despite her not actually working. Park even transferred approximately 300 million KRW (about $204,000) to her ex-boyfriend under the pretext of helping him secure a jeonse deposit.
Agency rejects charges
Park's side denied all charges and filed a countersuit against the former managers. It called the claims fabricated. "We have already filed charges against them for extortion," Pak's representative said.
Mother sends money to former managers
On December 4, Park Na-Rae's mother reportedly sent 10 million KRW each to the former managers. This was soon after they filed a provisional seizure request totaling 100 million KRW against Park. The managers returned the funds and warned of such actions. Park apparently got to know about the transfers later as her mother allegedly acted unilaterally.
Park Na-Rae's apology
Park later released an apology regarding the allegations. "There was a misunderstanding with the managers I considered family," Park said in the apology. The former managers' side however refuted it by saying, "There was no apology, no agreement. Instead, we were told, 'Let's sue'."The broadcaster has now announced a temporary hiatus from the entertainment industry, along with withdrawing from several television shows:
I Live Alone, Where is My Home, and
Amazing Saturday.
'Injection aunt' controversy
Meanwhile, Park also found herself embroiled in trouble the 'injection aunt scandal', after a civil complaint claimed she received unlicensed treatments even though her representatives insisted she only received vitamin injections from a licensed doctor, denying all wrongdoing. It started after photos surfaced showing Park receiving intravenous drips and other treatments from an unidentified woman who allegedly does not have a medical license. This new allegation involving IV treatments at a private home and proxy prescriptions for antidepressants, added to the trouble.Park's agency stated that they believed, "A is a doctor with a valid medical license" and that Park had received only "a nutritional injection," insisting the situation does not constitute "illegal medical practice."
Police investigation
Police have now launched an investigation after receiving a criminal complaint accusing Park and several others of violating narcotics and medical laws. On December 9, the Seoul Gangnam Police Station assigned a team following charges against Park, an unlicensed individual identified as Lee, Park's agents and unnamed medical workers and pharmacists for violating medical laws.