Musical actress Ock Joo-hyun has issued an apology following allegations of operating her agency illegally, attributing the oversight to ignorance of administrative procedures.
On the 12th, Ock Joo-hyun stated, "In April 2022, after establishing a one-person agency, I failed to complete the registration for the pop culture and arts planning business due to ignorance of the administrative procedures at the time, resulting in some procedural omissions." She added, "This was due to my inexperience, and I have no excuses."
She further explained, "Upon realizing the mistake, I immediately took corrective measures and completed the registration application for the pop culture and arts planning business on September 10, 2025, and am currently awaiting registration."
Ock Joo-hyun assured, "To prevent similar incidents in the future, I will handle all procedures with the help of experts to ensure thoroughness. This incident has made me more committed to strictly adhering to relevant regulations and procedures, and I will act with greater sincerity and transparency." She sincerely apologized to those who have supported her, saying, "I am truly sorry for causing concern."
Alongside this, TOI Entertainment/Title Role Co., Ltd. submitted a certificate of completion for the pop culture and arts planning business registration education and the application receipt as evidence.
On the 10th, a media outlet reported that "Ock Joo-hyun's agency, TOI Entertainment, was not registered as a pop culture and arts planning business." The report also noted that "the one-person agency 'Title Role,' established by Ock Joo-hyun in the past, was in the same situation," and mentioned that musical actress Lee Ji-hye, who was involved in casting interference controversies, is an auditor at the agency.
According to the Act on the Development of the Pop Culture and Arts Industry, entertainers operating as corporations or individual businesses with one or more persons must register as a pop culture and arts planning business. Violations can result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment for up to two years or fines of up to 20 million won. Any business activities, including contract signing, conducted without registration are considered illegal and may lead to business suspension if detected.