Singer Song Ga-in has been cleared of allegations regarding the operation of an unregistered entertainment agency. Meanwhile, the CEO and corporation of the management company in question have been referred to the prosecutor’s office.  

According to a report by Sports Kyunghyang on January 20, GainDal Entertainment CEO (referred to as “A”) and the corporate entity have been forwarded by the Seocho Police Station to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office on charges of violating the Development of Popular Culture and Arts Industry Act. The Seocho Police Station reached its decision on January 16.  

GainDal Entertainment, established in October 2024 and based in Seocho-gu, Seoul, is accused of signing a standard exclusive contract with an artist without registering its business with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, thus violating the relevant law. The case attracted considerable public attention due to the company's close association as Song Ga-in’s one-person agency.  

At the time, JSTar, which handled Song Ga-in’s management, explained, “After Song Ga-in’s previous exclusive contract expired, she signed an exclusive deal with JSTar while establishing a one-person agency. JSTar is properly registered under the Development of Popular Culture and Arts Industry Act, and as Song Ga-in carried out her activities as a JSTar artist, we were unaware of any issue." They added, "GainDal Entertainment will also work quickly to complete the necessary registration procedures.”  

During the police investigation, both Song Ga-in and CEO A reportedly testified that they had “no involvement whatsoever in managing the entertainment agency.”  

Authorities determined that Song Ga-in, as an artist, is protected under the law and, since she is neither listed as an executive nor holds shares, there was no evidence of direct involvement. She was therefore cleared with no charges. However, CEO A and the management company were found liable and referred to the prosecution.  

CEO A commented, “This happened out of ignorance, and I will be more diligent in verifying such matters going forward. I intend to cooperate fully with the investigation process. I sincerely apologize for causing concern.”  

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=JSTar