Comedian Park Na Rae has come under intense scrutiny after allegations surfaced claiming that she engaged in an inappropriate sexual act inside a vehicle while traveling with her managers—an act that legal experts say could be recognized as workplace harassment under Korean law.
On January 5, attorney Lee Don-ho of Nova Law Office addressed the controversy, stating that “sexual harassment and workplace harassment are the key legal issues in this case.” He emphasized that managers occupy a particularly vulnerable position, noting that a vehicle used during work hours can legally be considered a workplace.
“The manager’s role has a unique power imbalance,” Lee explained. “ A vehicle used for work purposes can be classified as a work space. Forcing someone to see or hear sexual behavior they do not wish to witness in such a space could constitute workplace harassment.”
When asked whether the severity of the act would affect potential punishment, Lee clarified that Korean law does not recognize a standalone criminal charge for sexual harassment. “There is no such thing as a ‘sexual harassment crime’ in itself,” he said, adding that such cases are typically addressed through civil lawsuits. “If the level of physical contact is relatively mild—equivalent to a 12+ or 15+ rating—the degree of liability may be lower.”
According to Lee, the legal battle hinges on one critical point: whether the alleged act actually occurred. “For the managers, it is essential to receive a legal judgment confirming that Park Na Rae’s actions did take place,” he said. “Conversely, for Park Na Rae, proving that no such act occurred is absolutely crucial.”
He further warned that a court ruling acknowledging a “19+ level” sexual act could be devastating for the entertainer’s career. “Park Na Rae’s public image is everything. If a court officially recognizes that she engaged in such conduct and orders compensation, it could make a comeback virtually impossible.”
From a strategic standpoint, Lee suggested that settlement may be the most realistic option. “If I were representing Park Na Rae, I would push for a private settlement,” he said. “The longer this controversy continues, the greater the damage.” He added that potential advertising penalty fees could reach tens or even hundreds of billions of won, far exceeding any likely settlement amount.
The controversy began after former managers of Park Na Rae accused her of multiple illegal actions, including special injury charges, workplace harassment, sexual harassment, proxy prescriptions, and delayed reimbursement of personal expenses.
On January 2, details from a complaint submitted to the Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Office were made public. The former managers alleged that Park Na Rae and an unidentified man engaged in a “specific act” in the back seat of a vehicle while managers were present.
The complaint further claimed that Park Na Rae abused her position of authority, forcing managers to visually and audibly experience a situation they did not consent to. The petition was reportedly submitted to the Gangnam Branch of the Seoul Labor Office on December 18, and authorities are expected to summon the complainants for questioning later this month.
As investigations move forward, public attention remains focused on whether the allegations can be substantiated—and what the outcome could mean for one of Korea’s most recognizable comedians.
Sources: Daum