Park Na-rae Embroiled in Controversy Over 'Narae Bar' and Alleged Payments to Ex-Boyfriend

Controversy surrounding broadcaster Park Na-rae continues to escalate, with past statements and reality show scenes resurfacing.

What began as a 'gapjil' (abuse of power) dispute ignited by a former manager has now expanded to financial matters, romantic relationships, and even her private space known as 'Narae Bar,' creating a significant stir.

In a recent JTBC broadcast, former manager A claimed that Park Na-rae offered a 7:3 or 8:2 profit-sharing agreement but ultimately paid him a monthly salary without a formal contract, reportedly around 3 million won, despite him handling accounting duties.

Central to the controversy is the allegation of financial support for a former boyfriend. Manager A asserted that the ex-boyfriend, who allegedly did not work, received 4 million won monthly, more than what A himself earned despite working over 400 hours a month. Claims also surfaced that four major insurance policies were registered under the ex-boyfriend and Park Na-rae's mother.

Coinciding with these revelations, Park Na-rae's past remarks about her love life have gained renewed attention. On the MBC show 'I Live Alone,' she confessed, "I can't do push-and-pull. If I could, I would have gotten married." She added, "Getting held back is my specialty. I give everything and get dumped. I'm especially weak towards younger men."

What was once perceived as a candid, humorous self-disclosure now takes on a different meaning in light of the current allegations.

The scandal has also extended to 'Narae Bar,' her personal entertainment space. Former managers alleged they were responsible for preparing drinks and cleaning up, and were pressured to drink while on 24-hour standby. YouTuber Lee Jin-ho noted that managers were always on standby for transportation or emergency situations.

Allegations include Park Na-rae raising her voice if she didn't like the snacks, and one incident where a wine glass was thrown, resulting in a manager requiring emergency room treatment.

Past TV appearances are also being re-examined. In 2018, Oh My Girl members YooA and Seunghee revealed on tvN's 'Amazing Saturday' that their visit to Narae Bar was canceled due to their agency's objections. Park Na-rae's lighthearted response then, "I'll take good care of the kids and send them back in the morning," is now viewed differently.

In 2022, on SBS's 'My Little Old Boy,' Park Na-rae stated that "officially 50 couples, and unofficially about 100 couples" met at Narae Bar, questioning, "Shouldn't people be dating?" A space once celebrated as a symbol of celebrity socializing is now under intense scrutiny.

Currently, the former managers have filed a lawsuit against Park Na-rae for charges including special assault, while Park Na-rae has countersued for attempted extortion. She has announced a halt to all broadcasting activities. Attention is focused on the outcome of these allegations, which have surfaced behind her image built on laughter and entertainment.

Netizens are actively discussing the allegations, with comments like "I only heard about couples forming at Narae Bar, but the actual story is shocking," and "If the former manager's claims are true, it's too much," and "Taking a break from broadcasting is the natural step."