2NE1 CL Very Cherry Agency Allegations 2026: Legal Pitfalls of One-Person Management
On January 22, 2026, 2NE1's CL was referred to prosecutors for operating her agency Very Cherry without registration. Read about the allegations and legal risks.
A legendary K-pop icon just hit a major legal roadblock over administrative paperwork. On January 22, 2026, the Yongsan Police Station announced that it has referred CL (Lee Chae-rin) and her company to prosecutors without detention. The charges involve violations of the Popular Culture and Arts Industry Development Act regarding the operation of her one-person agency, Very Cherry.
CL Very Cherry Agency Allegations 2026 and Legal Consequences
According to the police, CL has been operating Very Cherry since its inception in 2020 without officially registering it with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Under South Korean law, failing to register an entertainment agency for over five years can result in a prison sentence of up to two years or a fine of up to ₩20.0 million KRW (approx. $13,700 USD).
The Difference Between CL and Kang Dong-won's Cases
While CL faces prosecution, actor Kang Dong-won was cleared of similar charges. Law enforcement determined that while Kang was signed to an unregistered agency, he wasn't involved in its daily operations. This contrast highlights the legal responsibility placed on artists who choose to be 'CEOs' of their own firms. Similarly, singer Sung Si-kyung's agency was found to be unregistered for over 10 years in late 2025, signaling a systemic crackdown on the industry.
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