Park Jin-young, who appeared at the National Assembly's inspection hearing, stated that the "Panomenon" project was not a special privilege aimed at the interests of the four major entertainment agencies [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Park Jin-young, Gong Dong-wi (Director)'s Popular Culture Exchange Committee, denied allegations of special privileges regarding "Panomenon."

Park Jin-young appeared as a witness at the National Assembly's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism national inspection hearing on the 7th.

On that day, Park Jin-young responded to claims that the Panomenon project was a special privilege because it was led by four companies including JYP and established as a dedicated legal entity, stating, "It was carried out based on several years of sacrifice from the four companies." He added, "If we did not do Panomenon and each agency held separate performances, they would have generated two to three times more revenue. It was truly difficult to realize this. Although it involved losses in the hundreds of billions of won range, everyone agreed to proceed, viewing it as a long-term vision with effects that could transfer to other projects. The claim that it is a special privilege is somewhat problematic."

Furthermore, regarding controversies over the donation of trademark rights for the Panomenon project and others, Park Jin-young said, "Since JYP had a dedicated team in advance, they donated it beforehand and then handed it over to the government. This method clearly has aspects that are not normal, but because we wanted to do such a good job, fearing that someone might take this away, we tried very hard to fulfill our intentions, which led us to use various methods." He added, "I do think those were abnormal methods."

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hui-young also responded, "I am aware of the concerns and worries surrounding Panomenon. However, Panomenon is not a project where the four major agencies came in to gain interests; it is a project they are trying to create together. I understand objections raised regarding the trademark-related process, but please also consider the uniqueness of this project."

Previously, Park Jin-young appeared on SBS Radio's "Kim Taehyun's Political Show" on the 6th and shared various stories regarding Panomenon and overseas business trip issues.

Regarding JYP filing for the Panomenon trademark and receiving 2 million won in business promotion expenses, Park Jin-young said, "When pointed out as a problem, we say 'I am sorry' and correct it, or if it is a misunderstanding, we 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 and said 'I will go to the national inspection hearing,' 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 cannot be indicted for perjury, but a witness can be. So I said, 'Then let me be subject to perjury charges if I lie.'"

Regarding the Panomenon trademark filed under JYP's name, Park Jin-young stated, "The word 'Panomenon' is amazing, so to register it quickly, I first registered it with my own money and will hand it over once a person in charge is appointed." He countered, "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, Park Jin-young responded to the point that he "received 2 million won worth of monthly business promotion expenses while saying he would work without compensation," stating, "That is a very valid point, but I did not know I was receiving it at first. It is a very sorry situation." He revealed, "If I had not received the business promotion expenses, and the next person was asked, 'Mr. Park Jin-young did not receive it, why are you receiving it?' it would have made 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 non-full-time positions; if full-time, I would receive money. I said I could not do that, but I would accept it if it were non-full-time." He added, "I do not receive a salary." At the time, subtitles on the broadcast also read, "Refused both salary and vehicle."

Regarding this, People Power Party lawmaker Bae Hyun-jin, a member of 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 service.'" She emphasized, "Since November 2025, he has been receiving approximately 2 million won in position performance expenses every month and also received a business promotion expense card. Monthly position performance expenses are official duty expenses, effectively serving as salary."

Subsequently, President Lee Jae-myung stated on the 6th, "I am sorry to Park (Chairman). You are devoting time without compensation and spending your own money to work so hard for exporting Korean culture. It is deeply regrettable and I am sorry that we have not been able to show you 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 more so that K-pop, Korea, and Korean culture can be spread to the world."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original