[2020 National Audit] "Thai BrandK Event's Sole-Source Contract Raises Suspicion"

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[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daeseop] "I understand the inquiry, but there was nothing as you mentioned, no orders from anyone."

Park Young-sun, Minister of SMEs and Startups, said this on the 8th during the National Assembly's Industry, Trade, Energy, SMEs and Startups Committee's audit of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, adding, "As far as I know, there was an expert opinion that having only 2 K-pop groups at the event to promote K-pop in Thailand was insufficient, so the number was increased to 4 groups."

On the same day, when Han Mu-gyeong, a member of the Industry, Trade, Energy, SMEs and Startups Committee from the People Power Party, pointed out, "There is something suspicious about the Brand K launching event hosted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Small and Medium Business Distribution Center as part of the President's Thailand visit. A private contract was signed with the performance planning company Nova Boundary two days before the event, and 4 K-pop groups that were not initially contracted were added," Minister Park responded accordingly.

Minister Park said, "I understand that Nova Boundary signed a private contract during the process of recruiting related experts. Initially, K-pop was not considered in creating something that could promote our country's culture and products together, but based on expert opinions that it would be better to include it, the number of groups increased from 2 to 4, which resulted in additional budget being spent."

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