Ok Joo-hyun, Prosecuted for Operating an Unregistered Entertainment Agency

Singer and musical actress Ok Joo-hyun has been sent to the prosecution for allegations of operating an unregistered entertainment planning business. The Gyeonggi Namyangju Northern Police Station announced on December 1 that they had sent Ms. Ok to the prosecution on the 27th of the previous month without arrest for violating the Act on the Development of the Public Culture and Arts Industry.

Ms. Ok is accused of operating her entertainment agency 'TOI Entertainment' without legal registration procedures. It has been confirmed that the agency is located in Byeollae-dong, Namyangju, and the local police station is conducting an investigation.

The investigation began after a report was received through the National Report Center. A police official explained, "Currently, registration has been completed, but it was determined that the past unregistered operation was clearly confirmed, and the allegations were acknowledged."

According to the Act on the Development of the Public Culture and Arts Industry, if a public culture and arts planning business operates without registration, a prison sentence of up to 2 years or a fine of up to 20 million won may be imposed.

After the controversy arose, TOI stated in an official position, "We prepared for registration three years before the company was established and completed online training, but there was an omission in the administrative procedure process," and clarified, "There was no intentional evasion of legal procedures or illegal operation."

Currently, TOI is reported to have completed its agency registration by utilizing the 'Public Culture and Arts Planning Business Comprehensive Registration Guidance Period' implemented by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.