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Lee Ha Nee has joined other Korean celebrities who were found to be operating their agencies without the required license.
On September 22, a representative from Lee Ha Nee's entertainment agency, Hope Project, confirmed that the agency had violated industry regulations for operating without the legally required government registration.
The agency revealed through a statement that they were not aware of the legal obligation to register and therefore did not complete the process. They also stated that they have sought expert guidance and are now in the process of registering, with plans to complete the procedure within the legally permitted grace period.
Hope Project is an entertainment agency founded by Lee Ha Nee in 2015. She served as its CEO until 2023, when her husband took over the role. Lee Ha Nee continues to be involved with the company, holding a position on its board. After her contract with Saram Entertainment ended, she signed with the agency earlier this year.
Lee Ha Nee is not the first celebrity to be involved in this type of scandal. Other Korean celebrities, including Kang Dong Won, 2NE1's CL, Sung Shi Kyung, and more, were also previously revealed to have been operating without a proper license.
According to South Korea’s Popular Culture and Arts Industry Development Act, all entertainment management companies must be registered with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. If a company operates without this required registration, it can face serious penalties, including up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million won (approximately $14,500).
This marks the second controversy for Lee Ha Nee, who was reportedly investigated for tax evasion earlier this year. That investigation allegedly resulted in her receiving a tax bill of approximately 6 billion won ( approximately $4.35 million).
In August, Lee Ha Nee gave birth to her second child. Before the birth, she still had a chance to promote her Netflix original K-drama, Aema.
Meanwhile, Lee Ha Nee is also set to star in another Netflix original series. She will lead the upcoming K-drama Show Business with Song Hye Kyo, Gong Yoo, AOA's Kim Seol Hyun, Cha Seung Won, and Kim Jeong Woo.
