A 19-year-old South Korean idol, Gaeun, left the Kpop group MADEIN only months after debuting. The agency announced that the decision was made because of personal challenges and overlapping. However, K-pop fans and communities found something else behind this matter.
Gaeun Officially Left MADEIN – What Exactly Happened?
On November 29, the agency of MADEIN, 143 Entertainment, officially confirmed that Gaeun left the group.
“We regret to announce that Gaeun will be leaving the team as of today. Since debuting with MADEIN in September, Gaeun has dedicated herself to the group’s activities. However, due to personal challenges and overlapping circumstances, she has found it increasingly difficult to continue with team responsibilities. After much consideration, she has chosen to part ways with the group.”
143 Entertainment
However, fans believe that the decision did not come out of the blue. Things happened during the several months of Gaeun with MADEIN.
The Alleged Sexual Harassment of the Kpop Idol
On November 10, fans began expressing concern for Gaeun after she unfollowed her agency and executive producer on Instagram without explanation. The abrupt action triggered speculation regarding her well-being. A day later, the agency issued a statement placing Gaeun on an indefinite hiatus, citing vague “health concerns” as the reason.
However, on November 23, JTBC News’ Scandal Survivor broadcasted a report about sexual harassment within the entertainment industry.
In the recording, the speaker explained their desire to leave the group after completing certain activities. In response, the CEO asked if she would fulfill his request in return, which was to be his “girlfriend for a day.” He then forcibly kissed her despite resistance, pushed further unwanted physical advances, and continued inappropriate actions for two hours despite repeated refusals.
The victim described efforts to protect themselves while the CEO ignored her objections. The request escalated to inappropriate touching and further boundary violations.
Although the report blurred group details, clips resembling MADEIN were used. Fans quickly connected the dots, concluding that Gaeun was the victim in question.
The Agency’s Response
Amid rising suspicions, the agency responded with an incoherent and dismissive statement, denying the incident outright by stating:
“There was no sexual contact by force.”
This response has faced widespread backlash. The criticism is stronger because the alleged assault occurred when Gaeun was a minor under Korean law, which the agency failed to address properly.
Fans also noticed the company took drastic measures by turning off comments across all platforms, further fueling public distrust.
Fans and K-pop Community Take Action
Now that Gaeun has left MADEIN and the agency, Kpop fans and communities are still concerned for the safety of MAIDEN’s six other members. Therefore, MABYs (MADEIN fandom), alongside general K-pop supporters, have launched an online campaign demanding the immediate resignation of Lee Yong-hak.
Actions include:
- Trending hashtags #JusticeForGaeun #ResignLeeYongHak across platforms calling for justice.
- Petitions have garnered over 8,000 signatures.
The movement highlights growing frustration over ongoing power abuse and exploitation in the entertainment industry.
A Harsh Reality for Young Artists
Gaeun’s confession has shed light on deeper problems in the K-pop industry. Gaeun’s story has struck a chord with fans and advocates, serving as a stark reminder of the urgent need for accountability and reform.
Fan-translated audio clips circulating online further highlight these systemic issues. From unchecked power dynamics to insufficient protections for young artists –male or female, the case raises pressing questions:
- Why do such abuses continue to occur despite the industry’s global spotlight?
- What measures are in place to safeguard vulnerable talent, particularly minors?
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Source: The Korea Herald, Naver Entertainment, Audio Confession Translation
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