Park Na-rae / Courtesy of MBC
Allegations surrounding comedian Park Na-rae’s treatment of her former managers have triggered growing disappointment among the public, but industry insiders say the controversy reflects a deeper, long-standing structural problem rather than an isolated case.
Claims of workplace abuse by Park’s former managers surfaced publicly Dec 4. According to reports, two former managers, identified as A and B, filed an application with the Seoul Western District Court, Dec. 3, seeking a provisional seizure of real estate under Park’s name. They allege they suffered various forms of misconduct during their employment, including workplace harassment, assault, proxy collection of medical prescriptions and unpaid production-related expenses. Additional allegations later emerged on JTBC’s investigative program “Scandal Supervisor,” where claims were raised that Park also mistreated members of broadcast production teams.
While the factual accuracy of the allegations has yet to be determined, the response from within the industry has been strikingly grim. Many insiders say similar practices have long existed across the entertainment sector, prompting reactions such as “what was bound to happen finally happened.” Critics argue the issue should not be reduced to the actions of a single individual.
Former managers say tasks that go far beyond professional duties are often treated as routine. These include making hospital appointments and receiving prescriptions on behalf of celebrities, booking schedules, sourcing personal items, collecting laundry, managing deliveries and even walking pets. A former manager with six years of experience in the industry said, “Proxy prescriptions are common. Once a celebrity visits a hospital with a manager to establish familiarity, the manager later receives the medication on their behalf. The personal errands often cross the line, sometimes requiring long-distance travel just to obtain gifts or items.”
The boundary between professional and private responsibilities is often blurred. Another manager, who worked at a large agency with multiple celebrities, said, “It’s hard to define where the line is. In reality, the role becomes that of a personal secretary. Household chores are basic, and in some cases managers are responsible for tasks related to the celebrity’s family as well.”
The notion of “24-hour standby,” which has drawn particular criticism online, is also described as an unofficial but entrenched expectation. Managers are expected to remain nearby until celebrities leave company dinners and to assist them through the process of returning home after drinking. Even when managers attend such gatherings, they are often unable to drink or eat comfortably. “Managers rarely enjoy these occasions,” one former manager said. “Most of the time, it’s endless waiting. Personal time barely exists unless it is discussed in advance.”
Film and television sets are not immune. A drama production staff member said some celebrities create tense working environments or cause delays due to their behavior. “Not everyone is like that, but there are celebrities who make staff suffer,” the staffer said. “In the end, because the celebrity is the one in front of the camera, everyone adjusts around them. When problems arise, it falls to staff and managers to soothe and manage the situation.”
Additional privileges are also cited, including delays caused by personal issues or disruptions when celebrities arrive unprepared. The same staff member said, “Sudden personal shopping requests are minor compared to cases where filming is delayed simply because someone is tired. I’ve even been verbally abused during shoots, but many people let it go because finishing the production safely takes priority.”
Industry veterans point to an irrational hierarchy embedded in the system, despite the fact that celebrities, managers and staff are all bound by professional contracts. A former entertainment show staffer said, “When working with particularly sensitive celebrities, we prepare every possible item in advance. You start questioning why this level of accommodation is considered normal.”
Many insiders express skepticism about whether meaningful change is possible. One manager said efforts by company executives to improve workplace culture rarely translate into real changes on set. A production staff member added, “By constantly trying not to upset celebrities, their authority only becomes more entrenched.”
Not all celebrities fit this pattern. Amid the Park Na-rae controversy, stories highlighting more considerate behavior by other entertainers have resurfaced. Broadcaster Jang Young-ran previously said she reduced her own contract fee to request higher pay for her managers and stylists. Veteran entertainer Park Myung-soo is also widely known for personally taking turns driving during long-distance trips to ease his manager’s fatigue.
The current controversy has brought long-standing industry practices into the open. Whether it leads to substantive reform, beyond expressions of frustration from those inside the system, remains to be seen.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.