The manager of K-pop boy band B1A4 member Sandeul was fired for installing a hidden camera in the dressing room for musical actress Kim Hwan-hee.
Kim Hwan-hee and Sandeul are currently starring in the Korean version of the Tony award-winning musical “Next to Normal.”
Musical actress Kim Hwan-hee (Instagram)
B1A4's Sandeul (Instagram)
B1A4's Sandeul (right) in the musial "Next to Normal" (Instagram)
The Kwanglim Arts Center (Kwanglim Arts Center website)
Korean media reported that Kim Hwan-hee, 33, discovered the hidden camera in her dressing room on the sixth floor at Kwanglim Arts Center where the musical is being staged on April 9, reported it to the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul and requested an investigation. The musical will run until May 19.
The musical actress’ agency, Blue Stage, posted on social media, Recently, there was an incident in which actress Kim Hwan-hee discovered an illegal camera in her dressing room and reported it.”
“A musical theater dressing room is not just a waiting area. This is a space where you can wait until the performance starts, change your stage costumes, and shower after the performance. Installing an illegal camera in such a space is clearly a criminal act and is currently being investigated as an unpleasant incident that should not have occurred,” it said.
On April 17, WM Entertainment, B1A4’s agency, issued a statement to say that it already fired the unnamed manager.
“First, we would like to express our deepest apologies to the actor and agency who may have been hurt by this incident,” it said.
It added, “We are keenly aware of the seriousness of this matter, and will do our best to ensure the actor's safety. We would also like to express our apologies to all the actors, staff, and fans who are working hard on the performance.”
“After becoming aware of the fact, our company immediately excluded the site manager from accompanying artists and fired him.”
The agency said, “In addition, we have completed an investigation of the performance hall, employee accommodation, and office building that the employee entered, and it has been determined that no additional damage has occurred.”
“However, in preparation for any unexpected situation, we will cooperate as much as possible with the police investigation and keep an eye on related information. In addition, we will work harder to provide more thorough employee training and to ensure the safety and protection of our artists and employees. In addition, please refrain from writing or reporting speculative content regarding this incident,” it said.