MADEIN Members Achieve Further Legal Victories Against 143 Entertainment
Recently, former MADEIN member Gaeun was able to achieve an important legal victory against her former agency, 143 Entertainment, after she exposed the CEO Lee Yong Hak‘s alleged sexual assault. This landmark case brought critical attention to the challenges K-Pop idols can face within the industry and highlighted the importance of accountability.
Two More MADEIN Members Win Contract Termination Lawsuits
According to the latest reports, two more MADEIN members have reportedly won lawsuits against Lee after the court found their exclusive contracts with the agency invalid. According to reports on August 9, KST, the 46th Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of two MADEIN members in their lawsuits against 143 Entertainment seeking a declaration that their exclusive contracts were invalid. In addition, the court ordered the agency to bear the litigation costs.
Court Cites “Severe Breach of Trust” by CEO Lee Yong Hak
While stating the grounds for this ruling, the court noted that CEO Lee’s representative had acknowledged that Lee had approached Gaeun for a “one-day date,” which included watching a movie and a private payment of ₩1.00 million KRW (about $710 USD) to her. The representative also reportedly acknowledged that inappropriate physical contact took place.
Based on these acknowledged facts, the court found that a severe breach of trust had occurred, which gave the members the right to terminate their contracts. However, this ruling is not final, as the agency has filed an appeal and the case is currently pending in the Seoul High Court.
Fans Express Concern for Foreign Members and Demand Justice
Though the names of the two members were not mentioned in the reports, fans speculate that it might be the remaining two Korean members of the group. Many expressed their concern about the remaining members, who happen to be foreigners, wondering whether it would be more difficult for them to seek freedom from their contracts. Fans are also demanding that Lee face legal punishment.
gaeun, suhye, and yeseo may be free, but the japanese members are still stuck under that awful company with their passports essentially being held hostage. continue boycotting and pressing for their freedom!!!! https://t.co/SpvDS0QYuH
— surfin’ JUPI⋆.˚ ☾ 𓏲ּ𝄢 ˖ ݁♬⋆.˚ (@fromkicatcher) August 9, 2026
This is great news & is long overdue, I can only pray that the remaining members are freed from the company as well.
And a massive fuck you to anyone who still supports or funds the company https://t.co/xXIcpZatAq
— tiff || legend out now 💌 (@crwndxt2) August 9, 2026
I’m glad those 2 members get to leave but i feel like no real justice was given when the man behind this isnt facing time https://t.co/H8ZbWZMtEs
— it was a gi jane JOKE (@T0te1z) August 9, 2026
When is he going to jail?!! https://t.co/F3kSQxjXFh
— FlopSniper22 (@Hello123235741) August 9, 2026
Nah he made her an escort. Minor… Jail hin man, but its SK https://t.co/8XESx36FbY
The ongoing legal struggles of MADEIN members against 143 Entertainment underscore a critical turning point in the K-Pop industry, empowering artists to speak out against injustice and demand ethical treatment. As the case moves to the High Court, the eyes of the K-Pop world remain fixed on the outcome, hoping for full justice for all affected members and setting a precedent for improved idol protection.
