The agency of EXO member and solo artist Xiumin claims that it was denied grants to appear on KBS's flagship music program 'Music Bank,' causing controversy. KBS immediately rebutted, stating that this is 'untrue.'
Xiumin's agency, One Hundred Percent, noted on the 4th, 'Xiumin of IANB Back is set to release his solo album 'Interview X' on the 10th, marking his first solo album in 2 years and 6 months.' They added, 'Our staff has repeatedly tried to arrange meetings with the broadcasting station, but KBS has been silent and did not respond to our contact.'
Xiumin's side stated that they received an unofficial stance from KBS, saying, 'We were informed that it is impossible for Xiumin to appear simultaneously on programs like KBS2's 'Music Bank,' where SM Entertainment artists perform.' In an official statement, they added, 'If the unfair circumstances surrounding our artists continue, our artists will inevitably be unable to perform on music broadcasts during the weeks when SM Entertainment artists are promoting their albums.'
They further expressed, 'We believe it is a highly unfair act for a public broadcaster like KBS to make such a decision that only reflects the position of a specific company. We have done our best to resolve this situation until the end, but we are very sorry to have to convey this unfortunate news to our fans.'
In contrast, KBS had a different stance. KBS officials were reserved regarding Xiumin's claim of being unable to appear on 'Music Bank,' stating that it is 'untrue' and that they are continually communicating with the agency. In fact, artists under One Hundred Percent, such as Baekhyun, Taemin, and Bad Villain, appeared on KBS 'Music Bank' without any issues. Furthermore, on the KBS 'Music Bank' broadcasts aired on Nov. 29 and Dec. 6 last year, artists Irene from SM Entertainment and Bad Villain from Big Planet Made appeared simultaneously.
Prior to this, on Nov. 22 last year, SM Entertainment's NCT Dream and Big Planet Made's Bad Villain and BIBI appeared concurrently in the 1230th episode of KBS 'Music Bank.' On that day, two artists from One Hundred Percent also performed. Reactions from fans encountering this situation have been mixed. Some are expressing disbelief that Xiumin's participation in 'Music Bank' is impossible, after having served as an MC for KBS's audition program 'Make Mate One' (MA1), while others are confused by the agency's actions calling out the real names of celebrities to raise issues.