Song Ga-in is continually caught in a controversy in spite of her popularity and fame.
This time, her fan cafe is causing issues. Allegations of embezzlement have been raised about the operation of Song Ga-in's fan cafe, "Again".
On media reported about the whistleblower Mr. A who introduced himself, saying, "I am a person who joined the café as a fan as I was touched by the song of Song Ga-in."
The individual continued, "I was forcefully removed when I pointed out the problems of accounting and financial settlement as well as inappropriate management."
The person wrote, "Song's fan cafe is becoming more and more commercialized and illegal" by suggesting "The Account Settlement Notice of the Cafe."
The suspicion of embezzlement of the fan cafe "Again" lies on poor accounting. Whistleblower Mr. A said, "Many expenses do not have receipts. The events that had to operate by the membership fees are often taking money from personal donations. Products such as hats or other goods funded by donations are sold to the fan members. These do not make sense by the standards of official expenses." "It is also a problem that the trademark rights are owned by an individual," added the whistleblower. In response to this question, the manager of the cafe said, "We admit that there are accounting errors. Please give us time. "
The following is a question and answer between the whistleblower and the media.
How did you become a fan of Song Ga-in?
"I joined the fan cafe 'Again' after I watched TV Chosun's Mistrot' and be touched by the song. I wanted to cheer Song as a fan. The 'Again' is an autonomous group gathered by fans to cheer for the singer. It is not a possession of some individuals. But it kept running like that."
What part of the fan cafe operation seemed to be a problem?
"The accounting process was bad. When I looked at the cafe accounting notice and analyzed it, I found many errors and unfair expenses. For a long time, I informed related parties such as cafe keepers with my objections and requested that they check. There is no answer yet. On the contrary, if you make bitter or right comments, you will be suspended or kicked out. Many fan cafe members have been kicked out or have decided to leave as they were hurt."
What is the problem specifically?
"The manager of the cafe only released four bank accounts. Additional bank accounts, such as on-site bank accounts, should also be disclosed. Since August, no report has been made about how the deposited amount was spent. It was announced that there were more than 1,300 regular small donors per month, but the expenses are unknown.
For example, some donations are spent without receipts, and the event operation cost should be paid from the membership fees that are collected but donations are used to pay for it.
It sells goods such as hats made with millions of won to its members for a fee. This can not be understood in common sense. It seems that over tens of millions of won was spent unfairly. In August notice, half of the 120 million won of the donation was spent and 60 million won was left, but they said that the money is not enough and requested raising the donation again. It is out of sense."
Song Ga-in’s FanCafe “Again” Caught in a Controversy of Embezzlement and Unjust Expenses
Is the cafe's executive a problem?
"We cannot but point out the issue of the trademark of "Again" of the fan cafe. There was no consultation or approval process with members regarding the registration of the Again. The manager registered it to himself. He converted it to a commercialized fan cafe. Trademark registration was made into three areas: 'performance, event agency', 'manufacturing, wholesale, retail', and 'design'. If the problem is not solved, the legal process will be inevitable. "
Wouldn't this limit Song's activities?
"Every fan shouldn't rule out the facts or neglect them. I would like to be a fan with more mature and reasonable thinking than being a fan of blind pursuit. This time, we expect more transparent settlement method and prevent unfair expenses related to the support of celebrity fan cafe. In case of allegations, please provide explanations and documentation. I hope that the cherished devotion and support from the fans who support this will be used in a justified and fair way. I wish Song-a-in always walks along the smooth path and have good luck."
The manager of the cafe said, "I admit some errors in accounting." "As I run a fan cafe in parallel with my work life, I didn't have time to clean up the errors. That's why we haven't posted our accounting notices since August. " "The issue of trademark rights was registered first under my name in case someone else preoccupied me, and I later got the permission of Song Ga-in. His comment about banning members or removing them differ from the reality. There are only a few dozen."
