(Seoul, Jan 23) According to Korean media reports, CL (Lee Chae-rin), former leader of 2NE1, has faced controversy involving her personal agency “Very Cherry,” which she established in 2020. In September last year, reports alleged the company had not completed certain registration requirements. At the time, Very Cherry stated it would “complete the registration as soon as possible.” On January 22, new reports suggested the case could be forwarded to prosecutors, drawing renewed attention.
Reports claim that the Yongsan Police Station in Seoul is reviewing whether the company operated for several years without properly filing the required registration with the relevant authorities. Under applicable Korean regulations, failure to complete mandatory registration for entertainment-management entities may carry potential criminal penalties or fines. Police are reportedly considering a non-custodial referral on suspicion of violating the Act on the Development of the Popular Culture and Arts Industry.
The reports also note that recent administrative checks followed a broader registration-awareness and enforcement period conducted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, during which multiple well-known figures and companies were reportedly affected. Similar cases have been mentioned in the past, including questions raised about other artists’ personal companies. In one widely cited example, an inquiry involving actor Kang Dong-won reportedly shifted focus away from him personally and toward corporate representatives and the legal entity.
At present, the matter remains in the investigative and procedural stage, and any final determination would depend on official findings and legal review.
