Sung Si-kyung's Agency Under Fire for Operating Unregistered for Nearly a Decade

Singer Sung Si-kyung is facing legal controversy after it was revealed that his one-person agency has been operating for nearly 11 years without the required registration as a cultural arts planning business.

His agency, SK Jaewon, established in February 2011, has reportedly not completed the necessary registration process. The company is headed by Sung's elder sister and functions primarily as a sole artist management firm for Sung Si-kyung.

Following the termination of his contract with Jellyfish Entertainment, Sung moved to his sister's agency, where he has continued his activities for approximately 14 years without official registration. This situation potentially violates the Cultural Arts Industry Development Act, which mandates registration for entertainment planning businesses to protect artists' rights and foster industry growth.

Operating without registration can lead to penalties, including up to two years in prison or fines of up to 20 million KRW, along with administrative actions like business suspension. The registration process itself is described as relatively straightforward, involving an application and mandatory training.

In response to the controversy, SK Jaewon stated that the relevant law did not exist at the time of the company's establishment and that they had not received any subsequent notifications. They are currently inquiring about the registration process. However, legal experts generally maintain that ignorance of the law is not a valid defense against violations.

Sung Si-kyung is a beloved singer known for his smooth vocal performances and engaging presence. Beyond his music career, he has gained popularity as a versatile entertainer through various variety shows. He is also recognized for his culinary skills, with his YouTube channel featuring cooking content achieving significant success.