[Dispatch=Yuha] Park Narae's former managers A and B have completely denied extortion charges. They maintain that they only requested wages owed after resignation and never made threats.

The Seoul Western District Court Criminal Division 4 held a second hearing on the morning of the 20th regarding charges against Park Narae's former managers A and B for violations of the Act on Punishment of Violence, etc. (joint extortion).

The two are accused of demanding 250 million won, equivalent to 10% of the company's 2024 revenue, from Park Narae. However, no actual money changed hands.

B's side denied the charges on this day. "After the employment contract ended, we only requested a reasonable amount owed, and never extorted money from Park Narae by threat or colluded with A," the defense argued.

The court asked back, "You never demanded a percentage—only unpaid wages or allowances?" B answered, "That's correct."

A denied the charges at the first hearing last time. "This was an exercise of legitimate rights such as severance pay," A emphasized. "There was no intent to threaten or unlawfully obtain money."

A also faces charges of embezzling approximately 44 million won from Park Narae's company funds. The prosecution additionally applied charges of embezzlement in the course of duty and fraud in the use of computers, etc.

A's side explained, "Of this amount, 24 million won was transferred with Park Narae's consent." They also argued that illegally collected evidence exists in the investigation process.

Park Narae has been in legal disputes with her managers since December of last year. The former managers raised issues including workplace harassment by Park Narae and non-payment of appearance fees.

A and B filed complaints against charges of special injury, defamation through false statements, and violations of the Information and Communications Network Act (defamation). They also submitted a petition to the Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Office.

Park Narae countersued. She filed a complaint against the two with Seoul Yongsan Police Station on charges of attempted extortion and embezzlement in the course of duty, among others.

<Photo=Dispatch DB>