Park Na-rae’s Agency Denies Abuse Claims, Accuses Ex-Managers of Extortion

South Korean entertainment company JDB Entertainment has firmly denied allegations of abuse and unfair treatment leveled against comedian Park Na-rae by her former managers, instead accusing the ex-employees of attempting to extort money from the star.

The agency released a detailed statement on Monday addressing claims that surfaced on social media last week, in which former managers alleged Park had verbally abused staff and demanded they perform personal tasks beyond their professional duties.

“These accusations are completely false and constitute an attempt at extortion,” said a JDB Entertainment spokesperson. “We have substantial evidence that these former employees demanded a large sum of money from Park Na-rae and threatened to damage her reputation if their demands were not met.”

According to the agency, three former managers who worked with Park between 2018 and 2021 contacted her in early April requesting financial compensation for what they described as “emotional distress” suffered during their employment. When Park declined, the ex-managers allegedly threatened to release damaging information to the public.

The controversy has sent ripples through South Korea’s entertainment industry, where Park Na-rae has established herself as one of the country’s most recognizable comedians. Known for her sharp wit and candid personality, Park has built a substantial following through her appearances on popular variety shows like “I Live Alone” and “Comedy Big League.”

Industry analysts note that accusations of celebrity misconduct have become increasingly common in South Korea’s entertainment landscape, where social media has given former staff members and associates new platforms to air grievances.

Kim Min-jung, an entertainment industry consultant based in Seoul, explained, “The power dynamics in Korean entertainment have been shifting over the past decade. While agencies once held near-total control over narratives, social media has created more vulnerability for celebrities facing accusations, whether substantiated or not.”

JDB Entertainment stated that Park intends to pursue legal action against the former managers for defamation and attempted extortion. The company has reportedly submitted relevant evidence, including text messages and recorded conversations, to law enforcement authorities.

“Park Na-rae has always maintained a professional relationship with her staff and has treated them with respect,” the statement continued. “These unfounded claims are causing significant damage to her reputation and mental health.”

The comedian’s representatives emphasized that Park had previously addressed workplace concerns with her management team when they arose and had implemented changes to improve working conditions. They noted that numerous current and former staff members have come forward to support Park since the allegations became public.

South Korean entertainment contracts often involve demanding schedules and close working relationships between celebrities and their managers, sometimes blurring professional boundaries. This dynamic has occasionally led to disputes when professional relationships end.

The case highlights the vulnerability of public figures to reputation damage in the digital age, where accusations can spread rapidly across social media platforms regardless of verification. Park’s situation reflects a growing trend where celebrities must respond publicly to personal accusations that would previously have remained private matters.

Entertainment law expert Jang Seung-woo commented, “The burden of proof in these situations often falls unfairly on the accused. Even when allegations are disproven, the reputational damage can linger, especially in a culture as sensitive to public opinion as Korea’s entertainment industry.”

Park, 38, has maintained a relatively clean public image throughout her 15-year career, though she faced brief controversy in 2021 over jokes deemed inappropriate by some viewers. She has consistently ranked among South Korea’s most popular female comedians and has expanded her career into hosting, acting, and content creation in recent years.

JDB Entertainment concluded their statement by requesting that media outlets verify information before publishing potentially damaging claims and thanked fans for their continued support of Park Na-rae during this challenging period.