Former MADEIN member Gaeun, known for her brave stand against her former agency, 143 Entertainment, and its CEO, has achieved a significant victory in court regarding her sexual harassment allegations. This news brings a wave of relief and validation for the idol and her supporters.
Court Grants Injunction & Addresses Allegations
According to a statement from the Hanbit Media Labor Human Rights Center, on August 4, KST, the Seoul Central District Court made a crucial decision. The court officially granted an injunction request that Gaeun had filed against 143 Entertainment. This request, initially submitted on July 31, was aimed at suspending her exclusive contract with the agency, a move highly anticipated by fans following her serious accusations.
The court’s ruling, as detailed by the Hanbit Center, not only granted the injunction but also directly addressed the grave sexual harassment allegations made against 143 Entertainment’s CEO, Lee Yong Hak. This acknowledgement from the court underscores the seriousness of Gaeun’s claims and her pursuit of justice.
Agency’s Lack of Management Noted
As an executive director of the company, who bears the obligation to protect and support the artists under contract, he committed acts that should not have occurred.
— Seoul Central District Court
Adding further weight to Gaeun’s case, the court also pointed out a critical lack of action from the agency. Specifically, the court noted that there was no substantive evidence suggesting that 143 Entertainment had any genuine intentions to carry out management activities for Gaeun, effectively leaving her career in limbo. This finding further strengthened her argument for contract termination.
The Background: Gaeun’s Brave Stand
The legal battle began when Gaeun bravely filed a criminal complaint against CEO Lee. Her complaint detailed a disturbing pattern of abuse, accusing him of verbal abuse, threats, molestation, and sexual harassment. Crucially, Gaeun was a minor at the time these alleged incidents occurred, adding another layer of severity to the case. Following these allegations, Gaeun was removed from MADEIN, yet her exclusive contract with 143 Entertainment remained a binding obstacle. This unfair situation propelled her to file for the injunction, alongside a comprehensive lawsuit to ultimately terminate the contract and reclaim her professional freedom.
Fan Reactions and Industry Implications
While K-Pop fans worldwide are celebrating Gaeun’s hard-won freedom from the agency, this victory also casts a spotlight on the broader issues within the industry. Many have expressed heartfelt concern for the remaining MADEIN members, hoping that they too can find a way to navigate their contracts and secure their futures, free from similar potential constraints. This case serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of artist protection and ethical management practices in K-Pop.
That’s a mercy at least, but that predator is still there.
Every single member should be able to break their contract in such a situation! https://t.co/UvpUBSh5YR
— kopchang (@kopchangi) August 4, 2026
FREE GAEUN!
FREE MADEIN!
FUCK 143 ENTERTAINMENT!
BOYCOTT 143 ENTERTAINMENT! https://t.co/pD970iaETw— xpiroxhawn 🎮 (@shawnie_red) August 4, 2026
reminder that even though gaeun is free mashiro, miu, nagomi and serina are all still trapped in contract with an admitted sexual predator, the end of which would put their visas in jeopardy. unless madein disbands they could stay perpetually under the thumb of a dangerous man. https://t.co/KhsSTyjCy4
— rainie ❤️🧡🤍🩷 (@rikatanism) August 4, 2026
