The agency has since completed the registration process with the local authorities.
This incident may affect Lee Hi's future activities.
Lee Hi, known for her impressive vocal abilities, has recently faced controversy as her one-person agency was operating without proper registration as required by cultural arts law. In response to the issue, her agency, Doover, released an official statement on the 27th, acknowledging the misstep. The statement clarified that Lee Hi was unaware of the necessity for separate registration since she had an exclusive contract with the agency. They have since completed the required registration after attending the relevant educational courses.
The agency revealed that EightO8HiRecordings, established by Lee Hi in April 2020, had been operational for approximately five years and nine months without the necessary registration. Lee Hi serves as the CEO while her family members are involved as executives, as per reports. The law mandates that any entity or individual managing entertainment activities must register with the local authorities, failing which can lead to severe penalties, including fines or imprisonment.
Lee Hi signed an exclusive contract with Doover in September last year and continues to actively pursue her music career.
This incident highlights the significance of legal responsibility for artists like Lee Hi, who are actively pursuing their music careers. Ignoring the registration requirements for cultural arts management is a clear violation of legal mandates, which could potentially damage the artist's reputation in the long run. Particularly, criticism of a popular artist like Lee Hi neglecting her management could lead to disappointment among fans, negatively affecting her image.
Running a personal agency can pose significant challenges and should serve as a reminder of the complex legal requirements in the cultural industry. The oversight from Lee Hi, a rising artist, emphasizes the need for musicians to fully comprehend their legal obligations, setting a precedent for others in the industry. Enhanced legal education for both artists and their agencies could prevent such issues from occurring in the future.
Finally, public and fan reactions play a crucial role. Such incidents could diminish expectations surrounding Lee Hi or even lead to disappointment, influencing her future projects and albums. Fans expect careful management from artists, and meeting these expectations can yield positive outcomes in their careers.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: DB
