Lee Hanee’s Agency Operated Unregistered for 10 Years
Sep 22, 2025
|
Lee Ha-nee's agency, Hope Project, told Sports Chosun on the 22nd that `The Hope Project was not fully aware of the obligation to register for the pop culture and arts planning business and failed to proceed with the registration process" he said.
He added that "After recently confirming the fact, we are proceeding with the procedure in accordance with the relevant regulations with the advice of experts, and we plan to complete the registration within the guidance period as soon as possible.""
Earlier, Lee Ha-nee established Hani Co., Ltd. in 2015, changed its name to Hope Project Co., Ltd. in 2022 after Lee Sang-yoon in 2018. Lee Ha-nee served as the CEO of the corporation until 2023 and is currently listed only as an in-house director. The CEO is known to be Lee Ha-nee's husband.
Meanwhile, according to the current status of registered companies in the pop culture and arts planning business announced by the Korea Creative Content Agency in August this year, it was confirmed that the Hope Project was not registered. Lee Ha-nee has been running a single-person agency for about 10 years without being registered.
According to Article 26 of the Popular Culture and Arts Industry Development Act, popular culture and arts planning companies (entertainment agencies, etc.) must register popular culture and arts planning businesses. The Korea Creative Content Agency's comprehensive information system on pop culture and arts also stipulates that it is illegal for an unregistered company in the pop culture and arts planning business to conduct related business. Violation of this could result in up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million won. In addition, all business activities, such as signing contracts in an unregistered state, are considered illegal and can be suspended if caught.
antahn22@sportschosun.com
