Park Jin-young to voluntarily appear at National Assembly audit today (the 7th) to address unpaid compensation controversy [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Park Jin-young, Popular Culture Exchange Committee Gong Dong-wi (Director), will appear as a witness at the National Assembly audit.

Park Jin-young will appear as a witness at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism audit by the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee on the 7th.

Park Jin-young, who is known to have expressed his intention to voluntarily appear, is expected to state his position on issues such as receiving position performance expenses and the controversy over JYP’s exclusive rights to the Phenomenon trademark.

Previously, Park Jin-young appeared on SBS Radio’s “Kim Tae-hyun’s Political Show” on the 6th, sharing various stories about the Phenomenon trademark and overseas business trip issues.

Regarding JYP filing for the Phenomenon trademark and his receipt of 2 million won in business promotion expenses, Park Jin-young said, “When I am pointed out as having a problem, I say ‘I’m sorry’ and fix it, and if it is a misunderstanding, it can be resolved. But what is hardest is being suspected of insincerity with the remark, ‘Don’t you have some other hidden motive?’”

He continued, “So when I contacted the National Assembly and said, ‘I will go to the audit,’ they asked, ‘Do you want to come as a reference witness or as a witness?’ When I asked what the difference was, they said a reference witness does not take an oath and is not subject to perjury charges, but a witness is. So I said, ‘Then let me be held accountable for perjury if I lie.’”

Regarding the Phenomenon trademark filed under JYP’s name, Park Jin-young said, “The word ‘Phenomenon’ is amazing, so to register it quickly, I registered it 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 do 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, in response to the criticism that he “received 2 million won per month in business promotion expenses while saying he would work without compensation,” Park Jin-young replied, “That is a very valid point, but I did not know I was receiving it at first. It is a very shameful story.” He explained, “If I had not received the business promotion expenses, and the next person were asked, ‘Mr. Park Jin-young didn’t receive any, so why are you receiving it?’ it would make it difficult for the next person to work, so I accepted it.”

Park Jin-young appeared on MBC’s “Omniscient Interfering View” in August and said, “I do not receive a salary for my activities as committee chair. I could choose between full-time and 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, a caption on the broadcast read, “Refused both salary and vehicle.”

On this matter, Baek Hyeon-jin, a People Power Party lawmaker on the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee, 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 service.’” 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, effectively a salary.”

Subsequently, President Lee Jae-myung stated on the 6th, “I am sorry to Park (Chairman). He devotes his time without compensation and spends his own money to work so hard for the export of Korean culture. It is deeply regrettable and I feel sorry that we have not shown him proper respect.” He added, “However, the people of Korea and the cultural history of Korea will remember Mr. Park Jin-young’s dedication and efforts. On behalf of the people, I convey my gratitude.”

He further added, “It may be presumptuous, but even if there is disappointment, please forget it and run a little harder so that K-pop, Korea, and Korean culture can be spread to the world.”

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.