Park Jin-young, 'Monthly 2 million won' controversy finally speaks out: "I didn't know I was receiving it... I am so sorry" [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Park Jin-young, Gong Dong-wi (Director) of the Committee for the Exchange of Popular Culture, addressed some criticisms regarding business promotion expenses.

On the 6th, Park Jin-yeong (Chairman) appeared on SBS Radio's "Kim Taehyun's Political Show" and shared various stories about issues such as Phenomenon and overseas business trips.

First, regarding taking on the role of Gong Dong-wi (Director) of the Committee for the Exchange of Popular Culture, Park Jin-yeong (Chairman) stated, "It was to further grow K-pop, spread K-culture, and have a positive impact globally." He added, "There are limits to what the private sector can do in this regard, so Yang Hyun-suk (YG) and Chairman Bang Si-hyeok (HYBE) agreed to help, and I took on the role."

He continued, "Although it is a short period, since tax money is involved, the procedures are strict and complex, and there are too many obstacles when trying to do anything." He added, "It is taking unexpectedly a lot of time and effort to resolve these issues."

In particular, regarding the National Assembly's audit session opening on the 7th, Park Jin-yeong (Chairman) commented on JYP filing for the Phenomenon trademark and receiving 2 million won in business promotion expenses. He said, "When I am pointed out for a problem, I say 'I'm sorry' and fix it, or if it is a misunderstanding, I clarify it. But what is hardest is being suspected of insincerity with comments like 'You have another hidden purpose.'"

He continued, "So when I contacted the National Assembly to say 'I will go to the audit session,' they asked, 'Do you want to come as a reference witness or as a witness?' When I asked what the difference was, they said that a reference witness does not take an oath and thus cannot be prosecuted for perjury, but a witness can. So I said, 'Then let me be subject to perjury charges if I lie.'"

Regarding the Phenomenon trademark filed under JYP's name, Park Jin-yeong (Chairman) stated, "The word 'Phenomenon' is amazing, so I registered it quickly with my own money first, and will hand it over once a person in charge is assigned." He added, "This matter involves four entertainment agencies—HYBE, SM, JYP, and YG—coming together. While they may not have good relationships with each other, they have always had good relationships with me, and no one doubts my sincerity. If our company monopolized the trademark, who would cooperate?"

Along with this, regarding the criticism that he "received 2 million won worth of business promotion expenses per month despite saying he would work without compensation," Park Jin-yeong (Chairman) responded, "That is a very valid point, but first, I didn't know I was receiving it. It is a very sorry situation." He explained, "If I had not received the business promotion expenses, and then told the next person, 'Mr. Park Jin-young did not receive it, so why are you receiving it?' it would have made it difficult for the next person to work, so I accepted it."

Previously, in August, Park Jin-yeong (Chairman) appeared on MBC's "Omniscient Interfering Viewpoint" and stated, "I do not receive a salary for my activities as chairman. I could choose between full-time or part-time, but if I were full-time, I would receive money. I said I couldn't do that, so I agreed to be part-time." He added, "I do not receive a salary." At the time, subtitles on the broadcast also read, "Refused both salary and vehicle."

In response to this, People Power Party lawmaker Bae Hyun-jin, a member of the National Assembly's Committee for Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated via Facebook on September 29, "I confirmed through government budget payment records that he is receiving monthly expenses, overseas travel costs, and support staff, rather than 'unpaid volunteer work.'" She emphasized, "Since November 2025, he has been receiving approximately 2 million won per month in position performance expenses and also received a business promotion expense card. The monthly position performance expense is an official duty expense, which is effectively a salary."

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*This content was translated by AI.