MADEIN’s Gaeun allegedly sexually assaulted by agency CEO

MADEIN’s Gaeun alleges sexual assault by 143 Entertainment CEO, sparking outrage as fans demand justice.

In a shocking revelation on JTBC’s show ‘Scandal Supervisor,’ a fifth-generation girl group member revealed she was sexually assaulted by her agency CEO after expressing her desire to leave the group.

Though the victim’s identity was concealed on the show, social media users speculated it was Gaeun from MADEIN based on background footage. Gaeun, 19, is part of the South Korean girl group under 143 Entertainment.

In an audio statement aired during the segment, the idol detailed her harrowing experience. “I told him I wanted to leave the group,” she recounted. “He asked me to grant his wish in return—he wanted me to be his one-day girlfriend.” She described being forcibly kissed, groped, and touched despite her repeated refusals. “I said no, but he kept doing this for two hours,” she stated. She initially thought the meeting would be a casual outing but found herself trapped when the CEO locked the office door.

not baemon related, but please help drop the tags for GAEUN.

MADEIN's Gaeun was sexually assaulted by their CEO, who tried to cover it up by claiming her hiatus was for "health reasons”

JUSTICE FOR GAEUN JUSTICE FOR MADEIN#BOYCOTT143ENT#WeStandWithMadein#WeStandWithGaeun pic.twitter.com/umdUhRxBlF

— el (@baesdolls) November 22, 2024

While the victim’s account painted a harrowing picture, the agency initially countered with claims of a consensual relationship. A lawyer for the agency stated, “She agreed to be his one-day girlfriend to continue group promotions.” However, the CEO later admitted to the parents of the members that he had “made a mistake.” The parents refuted this, calling his actions intentional, not accidental.

The controversy intensified as the CEO continued to be involved with the group despite promising to resign. Days after admitting wrongdoing, he was spotted at a MADEIN performance and later accompanied the members on a flight to Japan, sitting next to the victim.

Following these incidents, 143 Entertainment announced that Gaeun would take a hiatus due to health concerns. However, the CEO allegedly manipulated members by claiming the victim was both “the perpetrator and the victim” to undermine her credibility.

The agency’s legal representative denied the allegations, calling them “groundless.” They also argued over the legal definition of a minor, pointing out that Gaeun was 18 at the time, complicating legal proceedings under Korea’s civil law and the Children and Youth Act.

Everyone please spread the word. We need to jail that man.
Thank you for being brave and speaking up Gaeun. Let's all send Gaeun all the words of support she needs. (ctto of the pictures)

Justice for Gaeun#PROTECT_GAEUN#PROTECT_MADEIN#BOYCOTT143ent#WeStandWithMadein pic.twitter.com/nrq66JBKpZ

— 🦌Reg (@sxt_is_life) November 22, 2024

As social media pressure grows, Gaeun has deleted all posts from her Instagram and unfollowed the agency’s CEO, further fueling speculation.

MADEIN, created by 143 Entertainment, initially debuted as LimeLight on February 17, 2023, with three members: MiU, Suhye, and Gaeun. In 2024, the group was rebranded as MADEIN and expanded to include four additional members: former Kep1er members Mashiro and Kang Yeseo, along with ‘Produce 101 Japan The Girls’ contestants Serina Saito and Nagomi Abe.