Singer Sung Si Kyung issued a public apology on September 18 through social media after revelations that he had operated his agency without official registration for about 14 years. While acknowledging wrongdoing, he stressed that the issue was unrelated to tax evasion and promised swift corrective action.
“I sincerely apologize for causing concern to many people,” Sung wrote. “I am in the process of completing the necessary registration procedures and will make sure to correct what has been done wrong.”
Sung explained that after moving between different companies early in his career, he decided to establish his own one-person agency, SK Jaewon, in 2011 to reduce overhead and work within his means. However, he admitted failing to comply with new industry regulations.
“The Cultural Planning Business Registration system was introduced in 2014, but I failed to recognize and implement it at the time,” he confessed. “Not completing the required training and registration was clearly the fault of my company. I deeply regret this.”
The singer emphasized that the violation was not committed for financial gain. “This is not related to income omission or tax evasion. All income has been transparently reported through a tax accountant,” he said firmly.
Concluding his statement, Sung reflected on the incident as a personal turning point: “This has become an opportunity for me to hold myself to stricter standards. I will be more thorough and responsible in my activities. Once again, I am truly sorry for causing concern.”
SK Jaewon is a one-person agency run by Sung’s older sister, serving as CEO since its founding in 2011. The company’s failure to register under the Cultural Planning Business Act for 14 years has sparked controversy.
Sung is not the only artist affected. Other celebrities, including Ock Joo Hyun, Kim Wan Sun, Song Ga In, CL of 2NE1, and actor Kang Dong Won, have also admitted to operating under unregistered agencies.
In response, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on September 18 that it will encourage voluntary registration. The government has set a grace period until December 31 for agencies to comply under a “Cultural Planning Business Registration Drive.”
Agencies that fail to register by the deadline may face legal action, including investigative referrals or administrative penalties. Violations can result in up to two years of imprisonment or fines of up to 20 million KRW (about $14,403), and all business activities conducted while unregistered may be deemed illegal and subject to suspension.
SEE ALSO: Ock Joo Hyun under police investigation for alleged operation of unregistered TOI Entertainment
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