Monday, October 19, 2026

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More allegations of unpaid wages have surfaced against the parents of Aijing, a member of A20 LITE, the rookie group produced by Lee Sooman.

On October 19, an industry insider reported that a former employee of an education company run by Aijing's parents shared a post on Chinese social media.

The former employee, referred to as A, detailed how the company handled unpaid wages: 

"My father was critically ill and eventually passed away. Since my older sister quit her job to care for him, I became the only source of income for my family. I asked the company for money because I needed to pay for my father's funeral, but they told me they didn't have a single penny."

She explained that after asking the company to pay her overdue wages, they eventually sent her money, but the amount was only her 1.000 CNY (around 200,000 KRW or 150 USD). Expressing her heartbreak, she continued:

"I worked hard for years and even worked overtime, but when I was going through something as devastating as my father's death, they gave me barely that much. I'll never forget it for the rest of my life."

 

This follows a report by Chinese media outlet Dahebao on October 13, which alleged Aijing's parents of withholding employees' wages while running an education company in Beijing.

Public data from a Chinese corporate information platform also shows that a court enforcement case involving a total of 3.45 million CNY (around 692.31 million KRW or 515.600 USD) was filed against Aijing's parents back on August 31. 

As the backlash grew, a person identifying herself as Aijing's mother posted an apology on October 14. She acknowledged the dispute and explained that it arose after business conditions of her former education company detoriated rapidly.

In her statement, she promised to resolve the issue and take full responsibility, stressing: 

"This is an issue for us parents to take responsibility for and resolve appropriately. My child has absolutely nothing to do with the business I operated in the past or related disputes." 

Meanwhile, Aijing's agency, A2O Entertainment, has not released any official statement regarding the controversy.

A20 LITE's Aijing's Parents Faces Additional Unpaid Wage Allegations From Former Employee

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Actor Lee Jehoon is dealing with another project setback due to controversies involving his co-stars. Following 'Second Signal,' his upcoming series 'The Long Shot Trial' is now also on hold due to a controversy following co-star Hayoung.

On October 19, a representative from SBS confirmed:

"The scheduling of 'The Long Shot Trial' has been adjusted. Since this is a production made together by numerous staff and cast members, we are considering various options from different angles. The specific broadcast date has not yet been confirmed."

'The Long Shot Trial' is a remake of a Japanese TV Asahi drama, following the story of a team as they take on seemingly impossible cases and solce them in a lighthearted, witty way. Starring Lee Jehoon and Hayoung, it was originally scheduled to air on February 1, 2027. However, there has been changes to its broadcasting plans, leaving the release date up in the air. 

The delay is connected to the recent controversy surrounding Hayoung's great-grandfather. Previously during an appearance on KBS2's 'Problem Child in House,' Hayoung mentioned that her great-grandfather had opened the very first Western-style medical clinic in Hanyang and personally treated King Gojong.

After it was revealed that her great-grandfather was modern-era physician Ahn Sangho, allegations of his pro-Japanese activities during the colonial era came to light. Records show that Ahn Sangho was listed as a council member of the Daejeong Friendship Association in 1916. 

In response, Hayoung's side initially denied the allegations, but later changed their position after reviewing the records. Hayoung subsequently issued a formal apology via a handwritten letter.

As the filming for 'The Long Shot Trial' has already been fully wrapped, the production team had to move cautiously. Back in August, they addressed the issue, stating: 

"We take the recent issue involving one of the cast members very seriously. We are currently discussing the matter carefully from various angles with the production company and relevant parties."

Moreover, since the series is adapted from a Japanese drama, if it airs in February 2027 as originally planned, it means the broadcast run would overlap with South Korea's March 1st Independence Movement Day. 

With the controversy surrounding Hayoung's great-grandgather's alleged pro-Japanese activities and the series being based on a Japanese drama, there have been questions whether it could lead to further controversy if aired as planned. 

Lee Jehoon’s Upcoming Drama ‘The Long Shot Trial’ Faces Delay Amid Hayoung's Family Controversy