Credit: CJ ENM
Hope Project, the entertainment agency founded by Lee Hanee , confirmed on Monday that it has been operating without a legally required government registration for a popular culture and arts business. This makes Hope Project the latest in a series of high-profile South Korean agencies to be found violating industry regulations.
In a statement to the Maeil Business Newspaper on September 22nd, a representative for the agency explained that it was an oversight. “Our company was not fully aware of the obligation to register and therefore could not proceed with the process,” the representative said. “We sought advice from experts and are now proceeding with the registration procedures.” The agency plans to complete the process within the legally allowed grace period.
Under South Korea’s Popular Culture and Arts Industry Development Act, all entertainment management companies must register with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Operating without this registration can result in severe penalties, including up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million won ($14,500).
The news about Lee Hanee’s agency follows a recent scandal that revealed several other top celebrity agencies—including those representing stars like Kang Dong Won, CL, Ock Joo Hyun, Sung Si Kyung and Song Ga In—had also been operating without the proper license.
Lee Hanee has deep ties to the company. She founded it as ‘Hanee Inc.’ in 2015 and served as its CEO until January 2023. While her husband now holds the CEO title, Lee remains an inside director on the company’s board.
This is the second financial controversy to hit the actress this year. In February, it was reported that Lee Hanee was subjected to an intense tax audit by the National Tax Service following the discovery of potential tax evasion. The investigation reportedly resulted in a tax bill of approximately 6 billion won ($4.35 million).
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