Comedian Kim Jun-Ho, Kim Dae-hee, Kim Jimin and others are signed to JDB Entertainment, whose CEO, identified as A, has been embroiled in an affair allegation and become the center of controversy, and its subsidiary EFG Music has declared successive artist contract terminations, spreading the fallout.
On the 17th, one media outlet reported allegations of an inappropriate relationship between JDB Entertainment CEO A and girl group member B. It was alleged that the two met alone after schedules and had acted like lovers, including hugging and holding hands on late-night streets.
In response, JDB said it is "carefully checking the facts" and "the person involved has expressed their intention to resign. We apologize for causing concern," but the controversy has not easily subsided.
In particular, the scandal is having a devastating effect on the subsidiary EFG Music. EFG Music signed the girl group Ihoteu (IHOTEU) as its first artist in October last year to make a fresh start, but announced the termination of the exclusive contract on the 13th, just seven months later. Following the notice of one member's end of activities, the contracts of the other members were also confirmed to be terminated.
Afterwards, EFG Music continued to sort out its other signed artists. On the 16th it announced the contract termination of live idol Nana, and on the 17th it announced the disbandment of the band Hijack (HIJK). In particular, Hijack decided to disband less than a month after debut, suggesting there was major internal turmoil in operations.
EFG Music said the current CEO "is in a state where direct participation in organizing the situation is difficult," and that "internal staff are handling operational organization and are proceeding with necessary responses in stages, and considering the situation comprehensively, all activities have been temporarily suspended." It added that "the company's continued existence and organizational operating direction will be decided later after legal counsel and internal discussions."
The JDB CEO's affair allegation has not only damaged image but also had serious effects on subsidiary artists, leading to a chain of contract terminations.
The CEO's personal life controversy has struck directly at the subsidiary's overall management, leaving both signed entertainers and fans in confusion. Attention is focused on what position the agency will take.
[Photo] EFG Music, SNS
[OSEN]