Kang Dong Won, along with singers Song Ga In and Kim Wan Sun, recently came under scrutiny for operating their personal talent agencies without proper registration. This legal requirement is mandatory under South Korea’s Popular Culture and Arts Industry Development Act. The news follows similar cases involving musical actor Ok Joo Hyun and singer Sung Si Kyung, creating a wave of concern across the entertainment industry.
The Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has stepped in, announcing a grace period until December 31, 2025, for agencies to comply with the law. This allows time for them to complete the necessary registration processes. Operating without this registration can lead to severe penalties, including up to two years in prison or a fine of 20 million Korean Won.
What is the Law About?
The Popular Culture and Arts Industry Development Act requires all talent agencies, including those managed by a single individual, to register as official Public Culture and Arts Planning Businesses. This law is designed to protect artists and ensure transparent business practices within the industry.
Agencies found operating without this registration are considered to be operating illegally. All business activities and contracts signed while unregistered are deemed void, and those found in violation can face serious legal consequences .
How Did the Stars Respond?
Kang Dong Won’s agency, AA Group, explained that they were unaware of the registration requirement. They stated:
“We only became aware of the issue after recent cases came to light. We have now applied for the necessary education and are quickly moving through the registration process. We did not have a separate website, which is typically how one learns about this procedure, so we were unaware” .
Similarly, Song Ga In’s agency, Gaindal Entertainment, established in September 2024, also lacked registration. Her management company, JG Star, which is already registered, stated they did not realize Gaindal Entertainment needed its own separate registration. They promised to complete the registration promptly .
Kim Wan Sun‘s one-person agency, K Double U Sunflower, established in 2020, was also found to be unregistered .
Not the First Cases
This recent discovery follows earlier cases that brought the issue to light. Musical actor Ok Joo Hyun and veteran singer Sung Si Kyung were among the first to be caught in this situation.
Ok Joo Hyun’s agency, TOI Entertainment, apologized, calling the omission a “clear mistake” and not an intentional attempt to avoid the law. They have since applied for registration .
Sung Si Kyung’s agency, SK Jaewon, which was established back in 2011, also apologized for their lack of awareness regarding the legal requirement and is now undergoing the registration process.
Government Steps In
In response to the growing number of cases, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is implementing a special grace period. Until the end of 2025, the industry is being given a chance to self-correct and complete all necessary registrations.
A ministry official emphasized that this period is an opportunity for the industry to check its legal obligations and complete registration voluntarily. The goal is to create a transparent and legal management environment to protect artists and increase trust in the industry .
The ministry also warned that after the grace period, any businesses still operating without a proper license will face strict administrative investigations and potential police referrals .
Why This Matters to Fans
For fans, this news highlights the behind-the-scenes business practices that manage their favorite stars. These regulations exist to protect artists from unfair contracts and ensure they work in a secure professional environment.
When agencies follow the law, it helps create a healthier and more sustainable entertainment industry. It ensures that the artists’ earnings and careers are managed properly and transparently.
Credits: news.nate.com, isplus.com, sports.khan.co.kr
