OSAKA Ojo Gang leader Ibuki once again clarified the controversy surrounding her.
Ibuki wrote on her social media on the 12th, "I sincerely apologize for causing great worry and concern due to the dispute with the concert organizers," and added, "After the success of 'Street Woman Fighter,' I felt great pride and was looking forward to being able to perform a tour in front of fans. Ojo Gang was not just a crew but a family-like team I created and I always wanted to protect and be together with them," she said.
She recalled, "In early August the manager requested rehearsal expenses from Route59 during contract negotiations. We received a promise that this would be reflected, but there was no response from the organizers. On Aug. 26 Route59 suddenly sent me a document containing false claims. They threatened to make it public if I did not sign the contract myself within an hour. I was also notified of the shocking fact that the other members had agreed and I was left alone."
Ibuki said, "When I tried to check with the members individually I was asked for a group call and a 6-to-1 dynamic had already formed. I was told I was not fit to be the leader. One reason was the issue of unpaid appearance fees. Even before the final payment deadline I asked the manager to transfer funds in advance and I gave up additional compensation as a leader so that all members would receive equal pay. All payments, including appearance fees and prize money, were completed," she emphasized.
She said, "My only wish was to protect Ojo Gang and for everyone to stand on stage together," and added, "Even after the manager stepped down, the problems with Route59 continued. My mental state exceeded its limits and I could not bear the isolation that Route59 created and the pressure coming through channels, so I was severely stressed and hospitalized at a psychiatric clinic in Japan. A doctor advised me not to contact Route59 or the members directly."
OSAKA Ojo Gang won the final victory on Mnet's World of Street Woman Fighter 3, which ended in July. They were scheduled to meet fans by attending Mnet's World of Street Woman Fighter 3 national tour The Real Stage held at Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Seoul on Aug. 6-7, but only six members took the stage excluding Ibuki. Producer Route59 announced, "Ibuki revoked the agreement and notified us of her nonattendance."
That same night Ibuki claimed on her personal social media, "As an artist with no say, I was forced to sign a one-sided contract," accusing the production company of abusing its power. The production company countered, "Ojo Gang's manager demanded conditions that were not shared with the members and blocked the specification of the appearance fee contract," and said, "Repeated consultations failed."
Members Lu, Hana, Kyoka, Junna, Minami and Uwa also revealed through the official account, "Many problems occurred, such as appearance fees not being paid by the manager or amounts being handled opaquely. Even after the payment deadline passed, salaries were not paid, and no legitimate amounts were presented while members' inquiries went unanswered. Ibuki apologized to the six and said she would dismiss the manager, but the promise was not kept," they exposed.
Below is Ibuki's full statement.
[Photo] social media
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