143 Entertainment denies harassment allegations by MADEIN’s Gaeun
-Instagram@we.madein.u
143 Entertainment has officially denied allegations of sexual assault involving the company’s CEO following accusations by MADEIN member Gaeun.
The controversy began earlier this month when Gaeun deleted all her Instagram posts, unfollowed the CEO, and announced a hiatus on November 11 for health-related reasons. Speculation grew after a report on JTBC’s Scandal Supervisor detailed allegations of sexual assault by a girl group member against her company’s CEO. Fans linked the case to MADEIN after identifying the group in footage shown during the broadcast.
On November 22, 143 Entertainment issued a statement via the MADEIN X, formerly Twitter, account, confirming that the allegations pertained to MADEIN but firmly denying the claims. The agency stated, “There was no sexual harassment or any other form of sexual contact involving abuse of power between the mentioned member and the company CEO. The reported claims are entirely false.”
The company addressed a hotel incident involving Gaeun, clarifying that it occurred in the presence of acquaintances and dismissing the broadcasted information as inaccurate. “We sincerely apologize for causing concern due to this unexpected and unfortunate matter,” the statement concluded.
[NOTICE]
143엔터테인먼트입니다.
어제 JTBC '사건반장'에서 보도된 이슈 관련하여 당사 공식입장 전달드립니다.
먼저 방송에서 언급된 멤버와 대표 사이에는 어떠한
성추행, 기타 위력에 의한 성적 접촉이 없었으며,
보도 내용은 사실이 아님을 알려드립니다.
또한 해당 멤버의 호텔 관련 내용…— MΛDEIN (@MADEIN_U) November 22, 2024
The allegations against the CEO extend beyond Gaeun. Miyu, another member of MADEIN, previously spoke about her discomfort during her time in Limelight, a group formed by 143 Entertainment before MADEIN’s debut. In an interview with iKON’s Song Junhyung, Miyu revealed the CEO had habitually confessed romantic feelings to her, making her uncomfortable. “It was a difficult time, and I didn’t feel supported,” Miyu shared.
MADEIN debuted in February 2023 under the name Limelight and rebranded in 2024, adding four new members, including former Kep1er members Mashiro and Kang Yeseo. Despite their growing success, the allegations have overshadowed the group’s achievements and raised concerns about idol treatment within the industry.