Ok Joo-hyun and Sung Si-kyung Face Backlash Over Unregistered Agency Operations

Fin.K.L alum and musical actress Ok Joo-hyun has issued a second apology regarding controversy over her agency's unregistered operations, but concerns are mounting about her future activities as the situation escalates to a police investigation. Singer Sung Si-kyung, a veteran of over 20 years in the industry, is also embroiled in the same issue, sparking heated online discussions.

Previously, on the 12th, Ok Joo-hyun stated via her agency TOI Entertainment's official SNS that "due to ignorance of administrative procedures when establishing a one-person agency in April 2022, some procedures were omitted, and registration could not be completed on time." She bowed her head, admitting, "It was an oversight stemming from my inexperience, and I cannot offer any excuses."

She further added, "After recognizing the mistake, we immediately proceeded with corrective measures and completed the registration application on September 10th, and are currently awaiting approval." She emphasized transparency by directly releasing registration application documents and proof of education completion.

However, public reaction has been cold. Many pointed out that the explanation of "not knowing administrative procedures" from a veteran singer with 27 years in the industry lacks credibility. Some netizens criticized, "It's unbelievable she didn't know after being in the industry for nearly 30 years," and "Even with a second apology, it still seems like an evasion of responsibility." Conversely, others showed sympathy, saying, "If she admitted the mistake quickly and took corrective action, we should watch now," and "Let's not be too harsh."

The issue could lead to criminal charges. Under the current Cultural Arts Promotion Act, operating without registering as a cultural arts planning business can result in imprisonment for up to two years or a fine of up to 20 million KRW. The case involving Ok Joo-hyun is under police investigation following a complaint filed through the National Civil Appeals System.

Amidst this, the revelation that singer Sung Si-kyung's one-person agency had also been operating unregistered for 14 years has spread wider shockwaves. SK Jae Won, Sung Si-kyung's agency, established in February 2011, has not registered as a cultural arts planning business to this day, with Sung Si-kyung's older sister serving as the representative. Sung Si-kyung is the sole artist under the agency.

Sung Si-kyung's side immediately issued an apology after the controversy erupted. The agency stated, "We established a corporation according to the laws at the time of 2011, but failed to recognize the amendment of the Cultural Arts Promotion Act in 2014, which newly established the obligation to register as a planning business." They added, "As a result, we did not proceed with the registration process. We deeply apologize for the lack of awareness and preparation regarding related laws." They concluded, "We are currently proceeding with the registration process immediately and will diligently fulfill our legal requirements as soon as possible. We sincerely apologize for causing concern with this incident and will operate more responsibly in the future."

Netizen reactions are also divided. Some criticized, "It's hard to believe Sung Si-kyung didn't know for 14 years," and "Following Ok Joo-hyun, another similar case reveals poor management across the entertainment industry." However, others opined, "Sung Si-kyung's attitude is mature as he immediately acknowledged it and began the registration process," and "There's no need to be overly harsh, as it seems he was unaware of the regulations after the law revision."

With the revelation of unregistered agency operations by both Ok Joo-hyun and Sung Si-kyung, the call for a comprehensive review of management systems and legal compliance across the entire entertainment industry, beyond just an isolated incident, is growing. Attention is focused on whether this will lead to criminal charges or be resolved through prompt rectification and improvement.

Ok Joo-hyun, a former member of the iconic K-pop group Fin.K.L, has successfully transitioned into a celebrated musical theatre actress. She is renowned for her powerful vocals and compelling stage presence, starring in numerous blockbuster musicals such as 'Elizabeth', 'Rebecca', and 'The Count of Monte Cristo'. Her consistent success has earned her the moniker 'The Queen of Musicals' in South Korea, solidifying her status as a top-tier performer in the genre.