K-pop agency crisis deepens: Artists flee over ‘Cha Ga-won risk’ as Lee Seung-gi exits

K-pop agency crisis deepens: Artists flee over ‘Cha Ga-won risk’ as Lee Seung-gi exits

A growing crisis at K-pop agency One Hundred Label and its subsidiary Big Planet Made Entertainment is triggering a wave of artist departures, with singer-actor Lee Seung-gi becoming the latest to terminate his contract. On Monday, Lee’s legal representative said that he notified the agency of contract termination in late March, citing violations of the exclusive agreement. The contract has been “lawfully terminated,” his side said. Big Planet Made said it is “doing its best to normalize management as quickly as possible” and added that it is continuing discussions to resolve the matter amicably. At the center of Lee’s departure are allegations of unpaid staff costs. According to his side, “Despite various issues surrounding the agency and some unpaid settlement amounts, we tried to maintain trust. However, problems arose in supporting entertainment activities and paying staff and external vendors.” Lee is not alone. Several artists have either left or are seeking to leave the agency, fueling what fans are calling a “mass exodus.” K-pop boy band The Boyz is currently d

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