Lee Hanee's Agency Faces Scrutiny for Operating Without Proper Registration

Speculation is mounting regarding Hope Project, an entertainment agency established by actress Lee Hanee, which has reportedly been operating without the necessary registration as a popular culture arts planning business.

According to reports on the 22nd, Hope Project, founded by Lee Hanee in 2015, has been active in artist management as a solo agency but did not undergo the formal registration process. The agency was notably absent from the list of registered companies for popular culture arts planning businesses published by the Korea Creative Content Agency in August.

The law mandates that corporations or sole proprietorships exceeding one person must register to operate a popular culture arts planning business. Failure to comply can result in penalties, including imprisonment or fines.

Hope Project has undergone several name changes since its establishment in 2015. Lee Hanee served as CEO and in-house director until January 2023; her husband currently holds the CEO position, with Lee Hanee remaining as an in-house director.

In response, Lee Hanee's representatives stated, "We were not fully aware of the registration obligation." They added, "We recently confirmed this fact, sought expert advice, and are proceeding with the necessary procedures according to regulations. We plan to complete the registration within the grace period."

Lee Hanee debuted as Miss Korea Jin in 2006 and has garnered widespread popularity for her stable acting performances in various projects. Beyond her acting career, she actively engages in environmental protection and social contribution activities, spreading positive influence. Furthermore, as a talented individual with a background in traditional Korean music, Lee Hanee also showcases her abilities in diverse cultural and artistic fields.