MADEIN Member Gaeun Shocks Fans with Departure Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Agency CEO

‍

Gaeun, a member of rookie girl group MADEIN, has left the group just three months after debut.

On the 29th, 143 Entertainment officially announced her departure, citing "personal reasons."

However, the agency is now under scrutiny following recent allegations of sexual harassment involving its CEO, leading to widespread repercussions across the industry.

The Truth Behind Gaeun’s Departure and the Harassment Allegations

MADEIN, a seven-member group that debuted last September, had been gaining attention as a promising act in the fourth generation of K-pop. However, the future of the group has been overshadowed by shocking allegations revealed on JTBC’s Spotlight.

A leaked recording reportedly captured the agency’s CEO attempting to sexually harass an individual for two hours in a hotel.

Kim Jin-ho, an entertainment law expert, commented, "The inherent power imbalance between agencies and trainees in the idol industry often creates conditions for potential abuse, including sexual harassment."

Structural Issues in the K-pop Industry

Park Min-young, a researcher at the Korean Entertainment Industry Research Institute, stated, "Rookie girl groups are especially vulnerable to exploitation due to their unstable position in the early stages of their careers.

Small-scale agencies, in particular, often lack the necessary management systems, increasing the risk of such incidents."

The Need for Victim Protection and Preventive Measures

According to a recent report by the Korean Women’s Policy Institute, 80% of sexual harassment cases reported by entertainers occur within the first three years of their debut.

This highlights the urgent need for structural reform in the industry.

A representative of a women’s rights organization emphasized,
"It takes immense courage for victims to come forward under their real names. Anonymous reporting systems, combined with strict punishment for perpetrators, are essential for creating a safer environment."

The Future of MADEIN

Following Gaeun’s departure, MADEIN will continue as a six-member group, with Mashiro, Miyu, Suhye, Yeseo, Serena, and Nagomi.

Industry experts acknowledge that the group’s image may take a hit due to the controversy but stress the importance of turning this crisis into an opportunity for growth.

The Korea Entertainment Producers’ Association stated,
"This incident highlights the need for self-regulation within the industry.
We plan to revise guidelines to strengthen the protection of entertainers’ rights."

Broader Implications for the Industry

Industry specialists argue that this case is not an isolated incident but a reflection of the structural issues plaguing the entertainment sector.

There is consensus on the urgent need for protective measures for rookie idols.

Legal experts also underline the necessity of legal reforms to prevent the abuse of power by entertainment agencies.

"Strict punishment for sexual harassment cases and robust support systems for victims are essential to address these issues effectively," one legal professional remarked.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dark realities behind the rapid growth of the K-pop industry.

It calls for immediate institutional reforms and practical measures to protect idols in the future.