Singer Sung Si-kyung has apologized for operating his one-person agency without registering it as a cultural arts planning business.
On the 18th, Sung Si-kyung posted on social media, "I sincerely apologize for causing concern to many people regarding matters related to me," and added, "After debuting and going through various companies, I established a one-person planning agency in 2011. The intention was to reduce size and costs and to operate only within my capabilities."
He continued, "With the implementation of the Cultural Arts Industry Development Act in 2014, a registration system for cultural arts planning businesses was introduced, and I failed to recognize and comply with it in a timely manner," stating, "I am currently expediting the registration process and will correct the mistakes."
He also mentioned, "I learned about this recently, but this system is an important legal mechanism for protecting the rights of cultural artists, that is, the rights of affiliated entertainers, and for the healthy operation of the industry," adding, "For example, basic training for representatives, prevention of unfair contracts, protection of the rights of affiliated entertainers or minors, prohibition of sexual solicitation, and management technique training are new systems that I failed to recognize and complete the required training registration, which is clearly a mistake on the part of the company, and I deeply regret it."
However, he emphasized, "I want to clearly state that not registering is unrelated to income omission or tax evasion," and added, "I have been transparently reporting my income through a tax accountant."
He concluded, "I believe this has become an opportunity for me to reflect on myself more strictly. I will be more meticulous and act responsibly. I apologize once again for causing concern."
Recently, it was confirmed that Sung Si-kyung's one-person agency, SK Jae-won, has not been registered as a cultural arts planning business for about 14 years since its establishment in February 2011, leading to controversy.
In response, the agency stated, "At the time the corporation was established in February 2011, there was no relevant legislation," and added, "After the legislation regarding registration was established, we did not receive any official documents. We are currently aware of this and have inquired about registering as a cultural arts planning business."
According to the police, Sung Si-kyung's agency has become the subject of an investigation after being reported for violating the Cultural Arts Industry Development Act through the National Petition.
According to the 'Cultural Arts Industry Development Act', cultural arts planning businesses must register with the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism through the administrative agency in charge of the business location (Article 26 and Article 38 of the Act), and those who violate this and operate may face up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million won.
Recently, it has come to light that the agencies of Ok Joo-hyun, Kim Wan-sun, Song Ga-in, and Kang Dong-won have also not registered as cultural arts planning businesses, drawing attention.
In response to such behavior from various entertainment agencies, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has announced that it will operate a 'registration guidance period' until December 31 to create an environment of legal compliance across the industry and establish a healthy industrial order.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
