Latest news with #IHOTEU
Hype Malaysia
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
Girl Group IHOTEU Disbands Following Member Mina's Affair With Agency CEO
Pop groups can disband for many reasons, like financial issues or lack of popularity. However, Korean girl group IHOTEU (이호테우) recently ended activities after one of its members was exposed for having an affair with the company's CEO. Earlier this week, TenAsia released a bombshell expose about JDB Entertainment CEO Lee Kang Hee. According to the report, the label executive, who is married with two children, was allegedly having an extramarital affair with a girl group member under his subsidiary company, EFG Music. Sources say the two would frequently meet alone after official schedules, and photos showed them hugging and holding hands. Given the information provided by the report, the girl group member was revealed to be IHOTEU member Mina. IHOTEU is a live idol trio composed of members Mina, Negi and Amu. The trio debuted in 2024 but is known for performing in small live houses. Following the reports of Mina's affair with Lee Kang Hee, the group announced that she would immediately halt her activities. However, shortly after, the group shockingly announced their disbandment. In the follow-up statement, IHOTEU said all three members have mutually agreed to terminate their contracts with their agency. EFG Music said they decided to disband the group after considering the members' artistic direction and emotional well-being. However, the company will continue to support Negi and Amu's activities as long as it aligns with prior agreements. At the same time, Lee Kang Hee confirmed his affair with Mina and reportedly stepped down from his position as EFG Music's CEO. Internal staff are currently overseeing operations following his departure. However, all future decisions, including whether to continue to operate the label, will be determined after internal discussions and legal consultations. EFG Music also announced the disbandment of another group under their label, HIJK. It's unfortunate that EFG Music and IHOTEU's future was compromised by an affair. We wish Negi, Amu and the rest of the EFG Music staff all the best for the future. Sources: Allkpop (1)(2), China Press, Twitter What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Did IHOTEU end contract months after debut? CEO's alleged extramarital affair with group member may be the reason
IHOTEU, a three-member K-pop group which debuted in June last year, has reportedly "decided to terminate their contracts with EFG Music". IHOTEU, comprising Mina, Negi and Amu, had debuted under the company, which is a subsidiary of JDB Entertainment. Koreaboo shared the report, adding that this comes after the JDB Entertainment CEO's alleged extramarital affair with Mina, which sparked a row. He has reportedly submitted his resignation, too. After the controversy, the official social media channels of IHOTEU announced that Mina had decided to leave the group. They added that Negi and Amu will continue their group activities. However, in a follow-up announcement shortly, it stated that all members of the group had decided to terminate their contracts with EFG Music, citing their 'respective artistic direction and emotional wellbeing.' The statement, labelling Mina's departure as her 'graduation' from the group, said that she left it after coming to a mutual agreement with the company. It added that no future talks with her on the matter would be possible. In addition to this, EFG Music has also decided to halt all its activities temporarily. Despite the contract termination, Negi and Amuro will fulfil all previously scheduled live performances and other activities of IHOTEU. The agency will continue to support them in these activities. Recently, TenAsia reported, as per Koreaboo, that the CEO was cheating on his wife with IHTOEU's Mina. Several pictures emerged on social media platforms in which the CEO hugged and walked closely in public with a girl who wasn't his wife. A section of the internet alleged that the two were in a relationship. The CEO is married with two children. Talking about the CEO's affair and resignation, Korea Joongang Daily quoted JDB Entertainment's statement on Tuesday, "We are currently verifying the facts surrounding the recent matter. The CEO has submitted his resignation, and we sincerely apologise for the concern this has caused.' IHOTEU debuted on June 10, 2024, with the single album The First Wave. It has built a good reputation, especially for its strong focus on live stage performances. The group members were the first artists signed under EFG Music, a label launched by JDB Entertainments.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
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.
