Actress Lee Ha-nee Breaks Silence Following Legal Controversy

Actress Lee Ha-nee has spoken out for the first time since being referred to prosecutors.

On January 1st, Lee Ha-nee took to her Instagram to share her thoughts, stating, "25 years filled with many events have passed, and a new year has dawned. Despite everything, I want to say it was a truly grateful year."

She continued, "I hope that those who have lived through these 25 years receive comfort and encouragement from above. I pray that the new year brings healing to the broken places in your body, mind, and life." She concluded with, "Please stay peaceful and healthy."

Lee Ha-nee and her husband, Peter Chang, were referred to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office without detention on charges of violating the Development of the Public Culture and Arts Industry Act. This was due to Lee Ha-nee's agency, Hope Project, operating a management business for 10 years without legal registration.

In September, Lee Ha-nee's representatives stated, "We were not fully aware of the obligation to register as a public culture and arts planning business, so we did not complete the registration process. We are currently proceeding with the necessary steps according to expert advice and plan to complete the registration within the guidance period." The registration has since been completed.

Entertainment agencies that fail to register as public culture and arts planning businesses can face up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million won. This issue has also affected other celebrities, including musical actress Ock Joo-hyun, singer Sung Si-kyung, 2NE1 member CL, comedian Park Na-rae, and actor Yoo Ah-in, who have faced controversy for not registering their one-person agencies.

Reporter: Da-yeon Jeong, Ten Asia light@tenasia.co.kr