Legal Proceedings Against 2NE1 Member CL for Operating Unregistered Agency
On January 23, 2026, the Seoul Yongsan Police Station referred CL, a prominent member of the iconic K-pop group 2NE1, to prosecutors. The accusation stems from her operation of her entertainment agency, Very Cherry, without the necessary registration for nearly five years.
Background on Very Cherry
CL, known academically as Lee Chae-rin, founded Very Cherry in 2020 after her contract with YG Entertainment lapsed. Despite being a successful artist, the agency failed to register as a cultural and arts planning business, a legal requirement laid out by South Korea’s Popular Culture and Arts Industry Development Act.
Details of the Case
Police reports indicate that both CL and Very Cherry were referred to the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office without detention. This action followed an investigation that commenced in September 2025, initiated by a complaint addressing the operations of unregistered entertainment firms in the country. For more information, check out allkpop.
Agency’s Response and Legal Consequences
After the inquiry began, Very Cherry publicly acknowledged its oversight, asserting that it was working diligently to rectify the registration issue. However, the authorities proceeded with the case, determining that the agency had been operating unlawfully for five years and seven months.
According to the Popular Culture and Arts Industry Development Act, all entertainment agencies in South Korea must register with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism through their local government. This law, which was fully implemented in July 2014, aims to protect the rights of entertainers, promote industry transparency, and curb the rise of unregistered agencies. Noncompliance can lead to severe penalties, including up to two years of imprisonment or fines reaching 20 million won (approximately $14, 000), as highlighted by chosun.
Industry-Wide Implications
CL is not the only figure facing such scrutiny; the CEO of AA Group, representing actor Kang Dong-won, was also referred to prosecutors on the same day for similar violations. Notably, Kang himself has been cleared of any wrongdoing, with police concluding he had no direct role in the agency’s operations.
This issue of unregistered entertainment agencies gained momentum in September 2025, as several celebrities, including well-known figures like Sung Si-kyung, Ok Joo-hyun, and Song Ga-in, were found operating without registration for extended periods, some exceeding ten years.
Government Response and Future Outlook
In light of these developments, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has launched a broad registration initiative, offering guidance until December 31, 2025, aimed at encouraging voluntary compliance among entertainment agencies.
The Korea Entertainment Management Association has vehemently advocated for stringent penalties against celebrities who breach this law, emphasizing that such infractions undermine the order of the entertainment industry, regardless of subsequent registration efforts.
Next Steps in the Legal Proceedings
As the case progresses, it will be up to prosecutors to decide if formal charges will be brought against CL and what legal repercussions may ensue, according to sources like mk.
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