Detention of One Hundred CEO Cha Ga Won Related to Alleged Fraud of Rp 300 Billion

Kapanlagi.com - Cha Ga Won, Chairman of PIARK Group and CEO of the agency One Hundred, has officially been detained on allegations of fraud amounting to around 30 billion won or approximately Rp 378 billion. The detention order was issued by the Central District Court of Seoul following a hearing on the suspect on Monday (3/8/2026).

The court decided on detention due to concerns that the suspect might destroy evidence. The highlighted case includes allegations of fraud in business projects utilizing the intellectual property (IP) rights of artists as well as allegations of lease contract violations.

1. Detention and Legal Process in Seoul

After undergoing an examination hearing at the Seoul Central District Court on Monday (3/8/2026), the judge granted the detention request for Cha Ga Won. This ruling follows the initial examination process regarding allegations of fraud that are currently being investigated by law enforcement officials.

The court's reason for issuing the detention order is the concern over the loss or destruction of evidence if the suspect is not detained. This consideration serves as a strong basis to continue the legal process while ensuring the continuity of the investigation.

Previously, the police had submitted two detention requests, but they had not been presented to the court because the prosecutor requested additional investigation. After further investigation was conducted, the police submitted the request again last month, and the court subsequently granted it, resulting in Cha Ga Won's official detention.

2. Artist IP Project at One Hundred Agency

In the investigation, Cha Ga Won is suspected of signing contracts with several companies to develop a business that utilizes the intellectual property (IP) rights of artists under her agency. The cooperation scheme is said to target the use of artists' IP as the basis for commercial projects.

From the agreement, Cha Ga Won is reported to have received an advance of about 24.2 billion won or approximately Rp 305 billion. The funds flowed as part of the implementation of the promised projects in the contract.

However, she is suspected of not executing the projects as agreed. Law enforcement estimates the total losses in this case to be around 30 billion won or approximately Rp 300 billion.

3. Lease Contracts and Security Deposits

Apart from the issue of artists' IP business, Cha Ga Won is also suspected of being involved in another case related to lease contracts. She is accused of offering lease contracts using her own house and the houses of several acquaintances.

In the process, she is said to have received a security deposit of about 5.4 billion won or approximately Rp 68 billion. The security deposit was collected from the parties accepting the lease offer.

Although she has received the funds, Cha Ga Won is suspected of not executing the contracts according to the provisions. The alleged violations are being handled as part of an ongoing series of investigations.

4. Cha Ga Won's Attitude and Statement of Rebuttal

After the detention examination hearing, Cha Ga Won briefly appeared before the media. When asked whether he acknowledged the accusations against him or about the explanation provided during the trial, he did not respond. He then immediately left the location.

On the other hand, the process of requesting detention for Cha Ga Won has been repeated. The initial request from the police did not proceed to court because additional investigation by the prosecutor was needed. After a resubmission last month, the court granted the request.

Meanwhile, Cha Ga Won's side reportedly denied all fraud allegations. They stated that this case is related to an acquisition or merger and acquisition (M&A) process that is hostile in nature (hostile takeover).

(kpl/rsp)