Former and current employees of ONE HUNDRED and its affiliates have publicly protested, claiming that CEO Cha Ga-won's side is demanding non-punishment agreements as bait for paying overdue wages.
The "Victimized Employees Association of Three Companies," consisting of former and current employees of three Cha Ga-won-related companies—ONE HUNDRED, Big Planet Made Entertainment, and INB100—released a statement on June 16, expressing deep regret. They stated, "While Cha's side recently issued an apology promising to resolve the long-term unpaid wages issue, behind the scenes, they are demanding non-punishment agreements and mocking the victims."
They emphasized, "Paying the overdue wages should come first before asking employees to sign non-punishment agreements. No conditions should be attached to wages. While CEO Cha Ga-won drives expensive foreign luxury cars, employees have not been paid for months and are suffering from severe financial hardship. Non-punishment agreements must not be used as bait for wage payments."
They also directed criticism at Cha's legal representatives. "Cha's side is making legally unsound arguments, misleading the public as if some employees are misunderstanding the situation or making malicious claims. They must stop deceiving and mocking the victims and apologize," they demanded.
Furthermore, they urged investigative authorities to conduct a thorough investigation, stating, "Tens of billions of won in company funds have been transferred to suspicious accounts." They added, "We will actively testify about what has happened and cooperate with the investigation."
Previously, on June 9, the Seoul Gangnam District Office of the Ministry of Employment and Labor launched a full-scale investigation into unpaid wages and labor inspection targeting ONE HUNDRED and its affiliates. Shortly after this became public, on the night of June 10, CEO Cha Ga-won sent text messages to employees to apologize.
Cha stated, "I am deeply sorry for the delay in paying the wages you are owed. I feel deeply ashamed for failing to keep even the most basic promise to all of you who trusted the company and worked hard." He added, "I have been making efforts to pay the unpaid wages and will proceed with the payment process."
Following the Ministry of Employment and Labor's recent full-scale inspection, the Financial Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency has requested an arrest warrant for CEO Cha Ga-won on charges including fraud under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)