President Lee Jae-myung: “I am sorry that we were unable to show Park Jin-young the proper respect, and I am grateful” [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

President Lee Jae-myung directly expressed his regret toward the chair of the Popular Culture Exchange Committee, Park Jin-young, who is scheduled to appear as a witness at the National Assembly’s national audit.

President Lee Jae-myung stated on the 6th, “I am sorry to Park (Chairman). You are dedicating your time without compensation and spending out of your own pocket to strive for the cultural export of the Republic of Korea, yet we have failed to show you the proper respect. I deeply regret this and feel truly sorry.” He added, “However, the people of the Republic of Korea and the nation’s cultural history will remember Park Jin-young’s dedication and hard work. On behalf of the people, I convey my gratitude.”

He further added, "I know this may be presumptuous, but even if you have felt disappointed, please forget it and do a little more to spread K-pop, Korea, and Korean culture to the world."

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

Regarding the State Audit scheduled for the 7th, Park Jin-yeong (Chairman) addressed the fact that JYP filed a trademark application for "Phenomenon" and that he received 2 million won in business promotion expenses, stating, "When I am pointed out for a problem, I say 'I'm sorry' and correct it, or if it is a misunderstanding, we clear it up. But the hardest part is being suspected of having hidden motives behind my sincerity."

He continued, "So when I contacted the National Assembly to say 'I will attend the State Audit,' they asked, 'Do you want to appear 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 therefore cannot be prosecuted for perjury, whereas 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 so wonderful that I registered it quickly with my own money first, and I will hand it over once a person in charge is assigned." He added, "This matter involves the four entertainment agencies—HYBE, SM, JYP, and YG—coming together. While they do not always get along well with each other, they have always had a good relationship with me, and no one doubts my sincerity. If our company monopolized the trademark, who would cooperate?"

Along with this, Park Jin-yeong (Chairman) responded to the criticism that he "received 2 million won worth of business promotion expenses per month while claiming to work without compensation," stating, "That is a very valid point, but I initially did not realize I was receiving it. It is a truly regrettable situation." He further explained, "If I had refused to receive the business promotion expenses, the next person would have been put in a difficult position if they were asked, 'Park Jin-young did not receive it, so why are you receiving it?' Therefore, I accepted it."

Previously, in August, Park Jin-yeong (Chairman) appeared on MBC's "Omniscient Interfering View" and stated, "I do not receive a salary for my activities as committee chair. I could choose between full-time and part-time positions; if I had chosen full-time, I would have received money. I said I could not accept that, so I chose part-time." He added, "I do not receive a salary." At the time, a subtitle on the broadcast read, "Refused both salary and vehicle."

In this regard, People Power Party lawmaker Bae Hyun-jin, a member of the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee, stated on Facebook on September 29, "Through government budget payment records, I confirmed 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 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.