2NE1’s CL Faces Backlash for Operating Unregistered Agency “Very Cherry” for 5 Years

CL’s Very Cherry Agency Faces Registration Issues

On September 18, TenAsia revealed that CL, the iconic leader of the renowned K-pop group 2NE1, has been operating her agency, Very Cherry, without the necessary legal registration as a cultural content business for almost five years.

Background on Very Cherry

Founded in 2020, Very Cherry was created as a one-person label to support CL’s solo career. However, sources within the industry have pointed out that the agency has not fulfilled its legal obligation to register as a popular culture and arts planning business, which is a requirement in South Korea for agencies involved in managing artists and entertainment endeavors.

Acknowledgment of Oversight

A representative from Very Cherry acknowledged the issue, stating to TenAsia, “We recently confirmed the unregistered status and recognize the seriousness of the issue. The registration process is currently being expedited.”

Wider Industry Implications

This revelation arrives amidst growing scrutiny concerning one-person agencies led by celebrities. Similar issues have surfaced recently involving other artists such as Ock Joo-hyun, Sung Si-kyung, Song Ga-in, and Kang Dong-won. Notably, both Ock Joo-hyun and Sung Si-kyung’s agencies are currently under police investigation due to formal complaints received.

Legal Requirements for Agencies

According to the Popular Culture and Arts Industry Development Act, any corporation or sole proprietor that exceeds a specific scale must register if they engage in the management of artists or entertainment business operations. Noncompliance could lead to severe repercussions, including up to two years in prison or fines potentially reaching 20 million KRW (approximately $15, 000 USD).

Government Response and Future Outlook

In response to the surge of agencies failing to register, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) has declared a grace period ending on December 31, 2025, encouraging companies to voluntarily complete their registrations. Following this deadline, unregistered agencies may face administrative scrutiny and potential criminal investigations.

Conclusion: Ongoing Challenges in the Entertainment Sector

With CL now under close examination, this situation underscores the ongoing complexities of legal compliance within South Korea’s dynamically changing entertainment landscape, especially as more artists opt to take control of their careers through personal labels.

Sources: Daum

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