Ock Joo Hyun, who has faced controversy over allegedly running an unregistered TOI Entertainment, is set to undergo a police investigation for violating the Act on the Promotion of the Entertainment Industry.
The Namyangju Northern Police Station, which received the case from e-People (Korea’s public complaint portal), confirmed on September 12 that the case has been assigned to the investigation department to proceed with questioning regarding Ock Joo Hyun’s operation of an unregistered entertainment agency.
According to the complaint, the accuser emphasized, “This controversy serves as a reminder that compliance with the law is a key element of competitiveness in the entertainment industry. Practices that allow exceptions due to social influence or market status undermine the principle of consistent law enforcement. Registration is not optional but mandatory, and administrative errors or customary practices cannot serve as a defense.”
The complaint further called for swift and strict action, stating, “We hope that investigative authorities will act promptly and firmly according to law and principle to prevent recurrence of similar acts and to establish regulatory norms. Clear standards for responsible management and agency operations should be firmly established within the entertainment industry.”
Earlier, it was reported on September 10 that TOI Entertainment, Ock Joo Hyun’s agency, and Title Role, a one-person agency she had previously founded, were not registered under the Entertainment Industry Promotion Act.
Under Article 26 of the Act on the Promotion of the Entertainment Industry, operating a talent agency or entertainment planning business requires official registration. Violating this requirement can result in up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million KRW (about $14,400).
In response, Ock Joo Hyun’s team explained, “Three years ago, at the company’s inception, we prepared for registration and even completed online training. However, some administrative steps were subsequently missed. After realizing the oversight, we promptly initiated corrective procedures and are currently awaiting official registration.”
Ock Joo Hyun also issued a personal statement: “This incident arose from my own inexperience, and no excuse can justify it. I will take this as an opportunity to strictly follow all related regulations and procedures moving forward and to conduct my activities with greater sincerity and transparency.”
SEE ALSO: Ock Joo Hyun apologizes amid management registration controversy
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