A confidential settlement agreement between comedian Park Na Rae and her former management team has been leaked, revealing significant tensions and conflicting claims between the parties. The draft of the agreement, obtained by Munhwa Ilbo on October 15, details the ongoing disputes surrounding accusations of workplace harassment and financial obligations.
The document highlights stark differences in the perspectives of both sides. Park Na Rae’s representatives assert that any financial compensation was made out of goodwill, reflecting the nature of their relationship with the former managers rather than any legal obligation. They stated, “the former employees confirm and agree that the additional payment was made out of goodwill, considering the relationship with the former employees, not based on any legal obligations of ANPARK and the artist.”
Conversely, the former managers emphasized their claims regarding unpaid wages and bonuses, stating, “Party A acknowledges without objection the unpaid wages, unpaid performance bonuses, unsettled amounts, and calculated sums according to relevant laws and contracts with parties B and C.” This contradiction underscores the complexity of the situation, where both sides hold firm to their interpretations of the financial terms and responsibilities outlined in the agreement.
Details of the Settlement Agreement
The leaked draft includes clauses that detail various aspects of the financial settlement, though it does not specify the exact amounts involved. Park Na Rae’s side introduced a penalty clause stipulating that if any former employee violates obligations under the agreement, they would be liable to pay ₩1.00 billion KRW (approximately $684,000 USD) to both ANPARK and the artist. In contrast, the former managers proposed a penalty of ₩30.0 million KRW (about $20,500 USD) for each violation of the agreement, indicating a significant disparity in the stakes involved.
Additionally, Park Na Rae’s representatives included claims that the former employees misrepresented the status of their business registration. They stated, “the former employees confirm and acknowledge that despite not processing the registration for cultural and arts planning business around September 2025, they falsely reported to the artist that the registration was completed.” This allegation adds another layer of complexity to the already contentious relationship.
Legal Actions and Claims
The conflict escalated further on November 3, when Park Na Rae’s former managers filed a lawsuit seeking approximately ₩100 million KRW (about $68,400 USD) in damages. Their claims included accusations of workplace harassment, special injury, proxy prescription, and unpaid event fees.
In response, Park Na Rae took legal action against her former managers, filing complaints for attempted extortion and occupational embezzlement. This back-and-forth has intensified the already deep rift between the comedian and her former management team, creating a highly publicized dispute that has attracted considerable attention.
As this situation unfolds, the implications for both Park Na Rae and her former managers remain significant. The leaked agreement not only sheds light on their fractured relationship but also highlights broader issues within the entertainment industry regarding management practices and employee rights.
