Comedian Park Na-rae to Take Legal Action Amid Former Employees' Allegations

Comedian Park Na-rae (41) has announced her decision to pursue legal action following allegations made by former employees.

Park's agency, A&P, released an official statement on the 5th, identifying the individuals behind the recent allegations as "two employees who worked with us for approximately 1 year and 3 months." The agency further claimed, "These employees recently resigned, and we paid their severance properly. However, after receiving their severance, they demanded an additional amount equivalent to 10% of the company's previous year's revenue."

The statement continued, "As time passed, they added new claims, continuously pressuring Park Na-rae and the agency, with their demands escalating to several billion won. Park Na-rae is experiencing significant mental and emotional distress due to the sudden resignation of these employees, their baseless claims, increasing financial demands, and pressure through the media."

Regarding the issue of not registering as a one-person agency, the agency stated that the employees falsely reported that the registration had been completed. "We acknowledge the operational shortcomings and have no intention of evading responsibility for any mistakes," they said.

"However, given the ongoing unfounded claims and pressure, we have decided that we can no longer be swayed by unilateral demands. After legal review, we have decided to take necessary legal action," the statement concluded.

The agency also urged, "The allegations raised by some media will be clarified through legal procedures. Until the exact facts are confirmed, we ask for cautious reporting to prevent further damage to Park Na-rae and related parties due to speculative reports and unnecessary misunderstandings."

Meanwhile, Park Na-rae has been embroiled in various allegations following revelations by former managers. They accused her of workplace harassment, including verbal abuse and forcing them to attend drinking parties, even claiming that she threw a glass causing injury. Other issues raised include hospital appointment errands, proxy prescriptions, and unaccounted business expenses. Additionally, it was revealed that Park Na-rae continued her business activities without registering her agency, leading to further accusations.

Full Statement from Park Na-rae's Agency

Hello.

This is A&P Co., Ltd.

We are currently verifying the exact facts regarding recent media reports based on claims by Park Na-rae's former managers. We sincerely apologize for the delay in our response, which may have caused confusion and concern.

The two employees who worked with Park Na-rae for about 1 year and 3 months recently resigned, and we paid their severance properly. However, after receiving their severance, they demanded an additional amount equivalent to 10% of the company's previous year's revenue.

We operate as a small-scale one-person agency and recently confirmed that our registration as a cultural arts planning business was delayed. The former employees who raised the issue were responsible for this task and falsely reported that the registration process was complete. They disclosed this information to the media after resigning, and we became fully aware of the situation through related inquiries. We deeply reflect on our operational shortcomings and are currently taking prompt legal steps.

As time passed, they added new claims, continuously pressuring Park Na-rae and the agency, with their demands escalating to several billion won. Park Na-rae is experiencing significant mental and emotional distress due to the sudden resignation of these employees, their baseless claims, increasing financial demands, and pressure through the media.

We acknowledge the operational shortcomings and have no intention of evading responsibility for any mistakes. However, given the ongoing unfounded claims and pressure, we have decided that we can no longer be swayed by unilateral demands. After legal review, we have decided to take necessary legal action.

The allegations raised by some media will be clarified through legal procedures. Until the exact facts are confirmed, we ask for cautious reporting to prevent further damage to Park Na-rae and related parties due to speculative reports and unnecessary misunderstandings.

We sincerely apologize again for the delay in our statement and will diligently clarify the facts and take necessary actions in the future.

Thank you.

Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr