In June 2014, Clara (real name Lee Sung-min) signed with Polaris Entertainment (the same agency Ladies’ Code is under) for a contract that extended until 2018. However, word has it that her relationship became strained due to her personal issues with Polaris Entertainment’s CEO, Mr. Lee.
According to Korean media outlet Channel A, the actress has now filed a lawsuit against the agency seeking to nullify her contract on the ground of sexual harassment. Not only that, the lawsuit is directed especially at CEO Mr. Lee, who allegedly sends her highly inappropriate text messages. Apparently, he frequently texts her saying things like, “I am married but I have a girlfriend, and I think that you’re different from other entertainers because you make my heart flutter.”
Clara as seen in Jay Park’s “JOAH” MV
He also said to her, after assuming that she was dating, “If you get married, you’ll become unhappy.” and invited her to evenings where there was alcohol involved. Clara described that she “felt sexual humiliation and harassment from the words and actions of Mr. Lee, who is over 60 years old.” in her statement. It was also revealed that Mr. Lee fired her manager and Mr. Kim without a cause.
She actually notified the company of the cancellation of her contract back in September 2014. After which, she set up her own agency, Koreana Clara.
When Polaris Entertainment found out about that, they filed a lawsuit against her for running activities under Koreana Clara despite still being in contract to Polaris Entertainment. Hence, pushing Clara to file this lawsuit to confirm that her previous contract with the agency is invalid.
In response to Clara’s accusations, Polaris Entertainment stated that:
Clara took everything out of context, cutting out what came before and after such events” and accused her of defamation. The company has sued Clara and her father, Lee Seung Kyu on charges of making threats and claimed that the truth will soon be revealed.
More to come as the story unfolds.
Sources: SBS, Koreaboo, Asian Junkie,