The newest development has just occurred in the ongoing controversy between former MADEIN member Gaeun and 143 Entertainment CEO Lee Yonghak.

One month after Gaeun officially filed a complaint against CEO Lee Yonghak for sexual harassment, he has now announced that he will be stepping down from his position. The news was revealed in a statement posted to the company’s official social media:

“Hello, this is 143 Entertainment. First, we would like to thank the fans who continue to send their support to MADEIN, and we would like to deliver our stance regarding the future status of CEO Lee Yonghak. 

Regarding the recent unfortunate controversy, CEO Lee Yonghak is sincerely cooperating with the ongoing police investigation. However, in order to prevent further harm to our artists and staff caused by indiscriminate speculation and criticism without evidence, he has decided to step down from his position and focus on clarifying the facts. 

As this was a difficult decision made to protect the artists and the company, we believe that all truths will be revealed in the course of the upcoming investigation. Thank you.”

Sources report that Lee Yonghak formally resigned from his position over 3 weeks ago; however, he has been seen at multiple company events since then.

The controversy began in November 2024, when MADEIN’s Gaeun suddenly left the group and revealed that she had been sexually assaulted by the CEO of the company. While CEO Lee Yonghak initially admitted to the inappropriate conduct, he later changed his stance and denied all allegations against him. Now, Lee Yonghak is claiming that Gaeun and her family demanded a large sum of money, and then filed the criminal complaint against him six months later.

In another recent development, MADEIN member Suhye also recently went on hiatus from the group.

SEE ALSO: MADEIN’s Suhye halts activities due to personal reasons amid group controversy