How is the Relationship Between the Kpop Stars and Their Agencies Toxic?

Fame comes with its price. When I was young, I used to watch these celebrities having the time of their lives, and I would sigh to myself about how lucky they must be.  

Considering the financial matter, yes, that’s certainly true. But often, all that glitters hides a little burning coal as well, which keeps the gold in a melted state forever.  

As I grew up, I came to understand that fame brings its blessings but also requires certain soul-shattering sacrifices.  

This has been a very prominent scene in the kpop music industry as well—tremendous scandals, immense pressure, and above all, the soul sucking managing agencies. Let’s explore this, shall we? 

The relationship between K-pop stars and their respective agencies is often characterized by a complex power hierarchy that tends to favor the agencies over the stars.  

This imbalance has resulted in the agencies exploiting the stars with vigor, treating them like vultures and violating their privacy.  

In this article, I will analyze both the positive and negative aspects of managing agencies in the K-pop industry. So, peeps, what are we waiting for? 

What Are the Features of This Relationship?

There are different levels at which the relationship between K-pop stars and their agencies can be considered toxic. According to me, the patterns I have noticed in most of these agencies are- 

Agency Control and Power

Agencies usually have considerable influence over idols’ careers, encompassing their training, public persona, and private lives.  

This control is frequently established in exclusive agreements, which can be extensive and limiting.  

For example, JYJ (previously TVXQ) initiated legal action against SM Entertainment in 2009, contesting their 13-year agreement. The court decided in their Favor, recognizing the contract as “oppressive” and not in line with Korean labour laws. 

An Exploitative and Mistreating Nature

Celebrities frequently encounter rigorous training schedules and exploitative methods.  

A significant instance is the group INX, which exposed serious abuse by their agency, such as the absence of support, coerced cosmetic surgeries, and verbal mistreatment.  

The agency likewise did not supply essential needs such as food and safety during international promotions.  

The group ultimately succeeded in a legal case against the agency for nullifying the contract. 
 
Another instance is Jun Hyo-seong’s legal battle with TS Entertainment in 2018, during which she claimed non-payment and unauthorized transfer of her management rights.  

The agency countered by claiming she denied management support, emphasizing the power disparity in these types of relationships. 

New Jeans vs ADOR: The Lawsuit of 2024

This is the point of the article when you understand what inspired me to write about this topic. I have mostly discussed Korean Culture, including their food, entertainment, and all its positive aspects.   

Although I have come to realize that, while I am truly passionate about this culture, there are certain attributes related to this topic that I find extremely conflicting.  

This incident involves the relatively famous K-pop band NewJeans and their agency, Hybe. Hybe has been one of the most renowned agencies in South Korea.

HYBE Corporation, formerly known as Big Hit Entertainment, is a renowned agency with clients including BTS, SEVENTEEN, and several individual artists, such as Zico.

In 2024, one fine morning, K-pop band New Jeans decided to terminate their contract with ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE Corporation.  

The reasons they stated, as to why they felt this separation was needed, are their agency’s discriminatory behavior, their unfair treatment, and most importantly, workplace harassment.   

In early 2024, Min Hee-jin, the CEO and creative director of ADOR, became embroiled in a conflict with HYBE Corporation, her parent agency, resulting in her loss of the CEO position. 

Although HYBE’s board of directors anonymously decided to remove Min Hee-jin from her position as CEO, she still chose to stay connected with New Jeans.  

The Lawsuit Stays Intact: NewJeans Vs Ador

Fast forward to November 2024, Min Hee-jin resigned from all positions within both ADOR and HYBE.  

NewJeans announced the termination of their contract with ADOR, while ADOR denied the termination and claimed that the contracts remained valid.  

In December 2024, ADOR filed an injunction against NewJeans to compel them to fulfill their contractual obligations.  

They further went on to file another injunction, which prevented them from engaging in any independent activities. This was filed in January 2025. 

In March 2025, the Seoul Central District Court granted these injunctions, ensuring that NewJeans wouldn’t be able to pursue any independent activities until further notice.  

The emerging Kpop band did not agree. They issued a temporary hiatus against ADOE. The case is still ongoing in April 2025.  

A Deep Reminiscence of Oldies/Goldies!

Now, coming back to our discussion, lovely folks. This scandal has just reminded me of various such vicious acts by these agencies. Let me share them with you as well! 

GOT7 vs JYP

The story of GOT7 and JYP Entertainment isn’t primarily about a “scandal,” but rather a multifaceted situation involving contract endings and the band’s future.  

Although there were some controversies and criticisms along the way, the key issue revolves around GOT7’s decision to part ways with JYP and explore their individual paths while still remaining dedicated to the group. 

FIFTY-FIFTY vs ATTRAKT

In June 2023, the famous K-pop band FIFTY-FIFTY filed a similar lawsuit against their agency, ATTRAKT, for allegations that will surely ring a bell. 

Yes, their charges were also pressed due to reasons such as their inability to terminate contracts with ATTRAKT, as well as allegations of tremendous mistreatment.  

They also had to face mistreatment and grim interference from an external company. The agency countered this with claims of breach of legal contracts and aimed at poaching the members.  

All thai led to a very complex and dirty situation. Both parties got involved in a deadly legal battle, where they threw allegations at each other.  

IU And Edam Entertainment (This Is The Part Where It’s Good News)

This was another huge scandal that emerged in 2023. The singer and actor IU, who is the lady crush of most K-pop artists, was allegedly accused of making baseless claims of plagiarism.  

IU faced numerous instances of online bullying, sexual harassment, and even death threats. There was even this one case where a particular suspect was accused of espionage against IU.  

EDAM Entertainment issued a statement negating these accusations and defended IU till the end.  

WELL, this was a hell of a ride, reading this whole thing wasn’t it? Trust me, writing it wasn’t a walk in the park either.  

What are your opinions on the whole matter? Don’t forget to share your opinion in the comments. Until next time, bye, folks!

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