Rising K-pop group disbands overnight, after married CEO's affair with member blows up online: Report
K-pop girl group IHOTEU has officially disbanded. Just seven months after debuting, the group, managed by EFG Music, a subsidiary of JDB Entertainment, has terminated its contract, according to a recent statement from the company. The news broke following a controversy involving the company's CEO and a group member, now believed to be Mina. After their photos went viral, the agency first said only one member would leave, with Negi and Amu continuing. But in a sudden U-turn, all three contracts were scrapped and the group disbanded overnight.
JDB, in a statement, said, 'After deep consideration of each member's artistic direction and emotional safety, we've mutually decided to terminate all contracts. Mina graduated through internal discussions and has since deactivated her official activity accounts. Further discussions are unlikely, and we respect her decision.'
Also read: 'BTS' Jungkook's impulsive decisions caused me anxiety and hair loss': Tattoo artist reveals the singer hid his ink out of embarrassment
IHOTEU debuted on October 19, 2024, under the concept 'Voyage to Unknown.' The three-member girl group were launched with high hopes as EFG Music's first idols. It was seen as both a creative risk and a step towards expansion for JDB Entertainment. Earlier this week, TenAsia reported that the CEO of the label, Lee Kang Hee, who is married with two kids, was having an affair with a female idol under his company. At the time, the idol's name wasn't directly mentioned. Soon afterwards, photos of the CEO and Mina getting intimate in public started making the rounds on social media. Multiple sources confirmed the two were often spotted alone after work events, holding hands, and even leaving together in Lee's luxury car. A staff member from JDB confirmed that Lee had admitted to the inappropriate relationship and chose to step down from his position, creating an operational imbalance at both companies.
Following this, EFG Music cancelled all upcoming events, album perks, and live shows related to IHOTEU's second album, stating, 'We are responding to stalking crimes. There will be no leniency or settlement.'
In a June 17 statement, the agency said, 'All of IHOTEU's scheduled activities have been permanently cancelled. The company will temporarily suspend operations while determining its organisational future through internal audits and legal guidance. We understand the confusion and disappointment and sincerely apologise.' The agency then began refunding fans through the Naver system, asking them to return physical albums along with their details for smooth processing.
Also read: BTS is home: But why ARMY's energy just isn't the same anymore; analysing 5 factors
Lee, who is a regular on MBC's Point of Omniscient Interfere variety show, responded to the inquiry saying, 'I cannot say anything at this time.' Mina, on the other hand, has deactivated all her social media handles. The company also mentioned that the current CEO is not involved in any of the decisions, and the overall board and staff are currently reviewing the situation in light of the controversy. All EFG shows have been suspended for the time being. Even the future of the label, which gave us well-known comedians like Kim Jun Ho and Kim Dae Hee, remains uncertain.
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