CJ Chairman Allegedly Held “Paid Audition Parties” — Media Reports Spark Controversy
A shocking report has surfaced about CJ Group chairman Lee Jae Hyun, raising eyebrows over his alleged involvement in secretive “audition-style” parties.
According to testimonies shared with Dispatch, the chairman would have managers scout pretty young girls to attend these parties. Women ranging from influencers and streamers to aspiring entertainers reportedly received mysterious DM invitations to so-called “DJ parties.” They first underwent face-to-face screenings in upscale cafés before being guided through multiple secret locations with strict dress codes and instructions. The girls were advised to wear black skirts, sheer stockings, and towering heels — with hair left flowing, all to suit Lee’s tastes. A message exchange between a manager and an auditionee was revealed.
If you have pretty legs, wear black stockings and a skirt. He likes slim girls and girls who are more opulently styled. You must wear heels above 9cm, and come with your hair down, not tied.
Manager
The exposé drew comparisons to CJ’s long history of producing audition programs such as Superstar K, Produce 101, Idol School, and Boys Planet, which gave rise to groups like I.O.I, Wanna One, IZ*ONE, Kep1er, and ZEROBASEONE. But while those shows launched K-Pop idols into stardom, insiders claim the chairman ran a very different kind of audition behind closed doors.
After passing the auditions, the girls who were chosen were led to secret venues. Phones were confiscated, the atmosphere described like a spy movie. Once inside, attendees recalled small talk, flowing wine, competitive dance “showcases,” and the chairman himself taking over the DJ booth while participants cheered. Some women became “regulars,” while others were cycled in as “new faces.” Girls fought to become regulars to receive more favor.
I need to look good. I need to rise from a concubine to a queen. If I do well tomorrow, I think I’ll be selected as a regular for Fridays and Saturdays. I need to practice dancing. Imma rule the party tomorrow! The heels are so high I think I’m 168 to 170cm now. Tomorrow will decide if I become a regular or not. They give each girl ₩10.0 million KRW (about $7,120 USD) if you become a regular and go on a domestic 3-day trip.
Auditionee
At the end of the night, envelopes of cash valuing ₩1.50 million KRW (about $1,070 USD) were given out to each girl. If a girl was favored as a “regular,” Lee would bring them on a 3-day trip, paying them ₩10.0 million KRW (about $7,120 USD) each time.
Critics slammed the alleged hypocrisy as CJ profits heavily from its overwhelmingly female consumer base, yet the chairman is accused of objectifying women in secret gatherings. The revelations have fueled debate over whether this is merely a personal scandal — or a serious corporate responsibility issue.
