TV personality Park Na Rae has been referred to prosecutors over allegations she assaulted and bullied her former managers, raising further questions about when, or if, she will be able to resume her entertainment career.
Although she was not found guilty in court, public sentiment continued to worsen after police concluded there was sufficient evidence to recommend prosecution. Many industry observers believe a return will be difficult in the near future, regardless of the final legal outcome.
On July 10, Seoul’s Gangnam Police Station referred Park to the Seoul Central District Prosecutor’s Office with a recommendation for indictment on charges including special assault and violations of the Information and Communications Network Law.
The case arose from complaints lodged by former Park managers in December last year. They accused the comedian of special assault, defamation through dissemination of false information and violation of the Information and Communications Networks Act. A former manager filed a medical report documenting injuries requiring two weeks of treatment, claiming Park had verbally abused them for refusing to drink alcohol. They also claimed that she had thrown a glass, leaving them with bruises on their face and a wound on their hand that required four stitches.
Park, meanwhile, has filed counter complaints against her former managers, accusing them of attempted extortion and professional embezzlement. During three rounds of police interrogations conducted between February and May, he denied all charges. He admitted throwing a glass on the floor but insisted he had never thrown it directly at anyone, adding that the former manager’s injury claims were untrue.
Police also continued to investigate separate allegations that Park received unauthorized medical procedures from an unlicensed doctor commonly referred to in Korea as a “aunt aunt”, in possible violation of the Medical Service Act.
The latest development has further clouded Park’s future in the broadcasting industry. Before the controversy, she had established herself as one of Korea’s most recognizable entertainers through variety shows. While prosecutors may still decide not to charge her, the police’s conclusion that the allegations of workplace abuse were true significantly damaged public perception. His previous explanations, included admitting he threw a glass on the floor– have done little to improve public opinion.
The separate investigation into alleged illegal medical treatments could also become another major obstacle. According to reports, Park’s former managers say they have audio recordings that suggest she knew the practitioner was not a licensed doctor. They further stated that he had repeatedly received intravenous injections in multiple locations, including his residence in Seoul, the practitioner’s home in Ilsan, and even inside a moving vehicle.
The controversy has also affected other players in the entertainment industry. SHINee member Key and YouTuber Short Mouth Sun were reportedly linked to the same practitioner. Both stated that they believed the individual was a licensed physician and temporarily suspended their activities. Since then, Short Mouth Sun has reportedly focused on running a dog café in Paju, while Key resumed entertainment activities last month following the release of SHINee’s sixth mini-album.
Despite these examples, Industry insiders believe Park’s situation is fundamentally different. Key returned through group promotions supported by SHINee’s established fan base, while Short Mouth Sun largely stepped away from media work. Park, however, has built her career primarily through mainstream variety shows, where audience approval plays a much bigger role. Consequentially, experts say rebuilding his image will be essential before a successful comeback can occur.
Ultimately, Park Na Rae’s future will depend on the prosecutor’s decision. If prosecutors proceed with formal charges and the case goes to trial, many believe his return to television will remain unlikely until the court hands down a verdict. Legal experts have suggested that while alleged breaches of the Medical Service Act may carry a relatively lower risk of severe penalties, the special charge of assault could prove much more difficult to resolve if no agreement is reached between the parties.
Sources: Nate
