Park Na-rae Stays Silent on Allegations, Cites 'Legal Proceedings'

Comedian Park Na-rae has broken her silence following a barrage of allegations and controversies, stating that she will address the issues through 'legal proceedings' and will not issue further statements.

In a video released on the YouTube channel 'Baek Eun-young's Golden Time' on the 16th, Park Na-rae stated, "I deeply acknowledge the worry and fatigue caused to many people due to the recently raised issues."

This marks her first official statement in eight days since declaring a hiatus from all activities via social media on the 8th.

She explained the reason for her hiatus: "I have voluntarily stepped down from all programs I was a part of due to these issues. I made that choice with the hope that it would prevent further confusion or burden on the production staff and my colleagues."

Previously, Park Na-rae faced a real estate provisional seizure application filed by her former managers in the Seoul Western District Court on the 3rd. The former managers claimed to have suffered from alleged 'abuse of power' during her time running a one-person agency, including verbal abuse, infliction of special injury, prescription forgery, and non-payment of expenses, along with constant demands for personal errands.

The controversy, which began with accusations of abuse of power, escalated to include alleged violations of medical law for receiving prescription services and psychotropic drugs through an acquaintance referred to as 'Injection Aunt,' and violations of the Cultural Arts Promotion Act for not registering her one-person agency. Furthermore, she is also suspected of employing her ex-boyfriend as an employee, paying him 4 million won monthly, and transferring approximately 300 million won of company funds.

In response, Park Na-rae's side stated in their first official announcement on the 5th that two employees who worked for about 1 year and 3 months demanded 10% of the company's revenue after resigning, despite receiving their severance pay. When this was refused, they allegedly continued to create unnecessary misunderstandings and pressure with false claims, leading to a decision to take legal action. Regarding the allegations of illegal medical practices, they claimed that 'Injection Aunt,' who is a medical professional, provided house calls.

As the controversy intensified, Park Na-rae posted on social media on the 8th, stating, "Two managers who I considered family suddenly resigned in early November, and due to a lack of opportunity to communicate with the parties involved until recently, misunderstandings piled up. Thanks to everyone's help, I was able to meet with my former managers yesterday, and we were able to resolve the misunderstandings and mistrust between us, but I still believe it was all my fault and I am deeply reflecting."

She continued, "As a comedian whose profession is to provide laughter and enjoyment, I decided to suspend my broadcasting activities until everything is cleanly resolved, as I could no longer cause trouble for programs and my colleagues. I once again bow my head and sincerely apologize to everyone who has trusted and supported me."

Park Na-rae's statement was interpreted as reaching an agreement with her managers through dialogue. However, the managers' side announced that the agreement with Park Na-rae had fallen through, and they would proceed with legal action. On the 15th, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Chief announced at a regular press briefing that there were 5 cases filed against Park Na-rae and 1 case filed by Park Na-rae.

Amidst the flood of allegations, public attention was fixed on Park Na-rae's response. There was hope that a plausible explanation from Park Na-rae could pave the way for her return after legal proceedings and a period of self-reflection. However, Park Na-rae remained silent on the issues that the public was curious about: allegations of illegal medical procedures via 'Injection Aunt' and 'IV Drip Aunt,' the abuse of power controversy with her former managers, the hiring of her ex-boyfriend as an employee and the company fund transfer allegations, and the numerous claims that her former managers were not covered by employment insurance.

Park Na-rae stated, "There are aspects of the currently raised issues that require a calm verification of the facts, and we are proceeding with legal procedures. During that process, I will refrain from making additional public statements or explanations. I believe this matter is not one of personal feelings or relationships but needs to be objectively verified through official procedures."

She emphasized, "This decision is not to criticize anyone or assign blame, but a judgment to set aside emotions and personal judgment and leave the matter to the process for resolution." To prevent further controversy, she added, "To avoid creating further controversy, I will not make any further comments on this matter after this video."

Meanwhile, following Park Na-rae's hiatus, variety shows she was appearing on have been edited or canceled. Her representative shows, MBC's 'I Live Alone' and tvN's 'Amazing Saturday', as well as 'Home Alone', have seen her removed. Her web variety show 'Narae's Kitchen' and MBC's 'Nado Shinna' and 'Palm Yu Trip' have been completely canceled.

Following Park Na-rae's announcement to proceed with legal action rather than provide direct explanations, Korean netizens expressed frustration. Comments included, "So now it's legal proceedings?" and "She steps down from shows and now stays silent, is that the end of it?" Many are criticizing the lack of direct clarification and apology.