Members of THE BOYZ are moving to terminate their contracts with their agency, ONE HUNDRED, citing serious issues, including unpaid earnings and a breakdown of trust.
The Fact reported on March 19th that nine members—Sangyeon, Jacob, Younghoon, Hyunjae, Juyeon, Kevin, Q, Sunwoo, and Eric—sent a formal notice to CEO Cha Ga Won in February, stating their intention to end their exclusive contracts. Member New is the only one who has chosen to remain with the company, for undisclosed personal reasons.
The group cited major contract violations and a complete loss of trust. They also requested access to their contracts and financial settlement records, but say the company failed to provide them for over a month and did not give clear explanations. During discussions, the CEO reportedly accused the members of wrongdoing and warned they might have to pay penalties if they left.
The members reportedly continued their scheduled activities for over a month out of respect for their fans despite the situation. However, negotiations with the agency have now completely broken down, according to the report.
Reports claim the company is facing severe financial trouble since late last year. It is also said that the company owes large amounts of money to its staff and partner companies and this has raised concerns about whether it can continue to support future activities.
In one particularly controversial claim, the CEO is said to have used the group’s dormitory deposit funds. Meanwhile, THE BOYZ, who have an upcoming concert at Seoul’s KSPO Dome from April 24 to 26, are reportedly paying for practice spaces and some staff expenses out of their own pockets.
ONE HUNDRED is part of a larger group of agencies led by Cha Ga Won, including BIG PLANET MADE Entertainment and INB100, which are also reportedly experiencing financial difficulties. Basic support for artists, such as transportation, has allegedly been cut, with some artists using their own vehicles for schedules.
Earlier, Taemin of SHINee left BIG PLANET MADE Entertainment and signed with Galaxy Corporation, reportedly due to similar issues. He is also said to have personally covered some staff costs at the time.
With THE BOYZ now seeking to leave as well, more artists under Cha Ga Won’s companies may follow. The agency has not responded to requests for comment.
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