By Mimansa Shekhar

Copyright timesnownews

Several South Korean artists are currently facing charges of illegally running their agencies. These include actor Kang Dong-Won, 2NE1’s singer CL, trot star Song Ga-In and 1st generation soloist Kim Wan-Sun. Seoul police have reportedly opened investigations into allegations that all these celebs operated or conducted activities through unregistered entertainment agencies. Kang Dong Won is currently seen leading the Disney+ hit drama Tempest. His previous films include Temptation of Wolves, Maundy Thursday, The Taoist Wizard, Secret Reunion, Kundo: Age of the Rampant, The Priests, A Violent Prosecutor, Uprising, The Plot, Peninsula, Master and more. As per reports Kang’s agency has promptly started registration after missing deadline. About the case of unregistered agencies According to Sports Kyunghyang, the four artists have previously had cases registered across several police stations. Now, investigations into their alleged illegal operations have begun individually. Complaints were raised after a citizen submitted claims that the stars established agencies that did not comply with mandatory registration requirements under the Act on the Development of the Public Culture and Arts Industry. It further stated that they violated the Popular Culture and Arts Industry Development Act by not registering their companies. This meant they carried out business operations outside of the legal protections provided by the Act. ALSO READ: Kim Soo-Hyun’s Agency Gold Medalist REACTS To Alleged Financial Malpractices, Suspicious Headquarters Building: No Unlawful… Violation and punishment The case further stated that these agencies operated outside of the guidelines provided by the law. Violations may now result in up to two years of imprisonment or fine of up to 20 million KRW (approx $14,500). Recently, Ock Joo Hyun and Sung Si Kyung also got embbroiled in similar case of operating agencies without registration. With more celebs coming into the periphery, it has raised concerns over compliance within the entertainment industry.