On December 13, the Korea Music Content Association (hereinafter referred to as KMCA), which is behind Circle Chart (formerly known as “Gaon Chart”), released a statement against NewJeans and Min Hee-jin.
In particular, the KMCA stated: “We express deep concern about recent tampering attempts in the pop music industry and declare our commitment to doing everything in our power to eliminate tampering, which could shake the foundations of the Korean music industry.”
According to the KMCA, starting with the girl group FIFTY FIFTY, the music scene has been subject to various accusations of tampering, a practice that aims to remove artists from their agencies before their contracts expire.
In this regard, the KMCA stated: “Outside producers hired by entertainment agencies persuaded promising young artists and their parents to terminate their exclusive contracts with current agencies. Shortly thereafter, the tampering allegations against Min Hee-jin, former CEO of ADOR, reported by a certain media outlet, regardless of their truth, starkly revealed how widespread tampering is in the industry. This also shows that tampering can occur not only in small agencies but also in large ones, which we can no longer ignore.”
“Min Hee-jin must reveal his precise position and clarify the facts regarding the tampering allegations reported in the media. Past reports have raised numerous suspicions about his alleged attempts at tampering and breach of trust with his former agency. Now more than ever, a clear response is needed from Min Hee-jin, a central figure in this tampering case. He must not avoid the issue with ambiguous or provocative answers but instead reveal the exact truth to put an end to the ongoing controversy,” the association added.
The KMCA then asked NewJeans to return to ADOR, saying: “You must fulfill your contractual obligations and engage in an authentic dialogue with your agency. If an agreement cannot be reached, one must humbly await the judgment of the courts. The popular music industry isn’t made up exclusively of NewJeans. Many senior artists, employees of other agencies, colleagues and junior artists who are inspired by you are all putting effort into their respective positions. Please keep in mind your significant position as representatives of K-pop and proceed with caution.”
They thand threaten to boycott NewJeans and other artists by unilaterally terminating their contracts, stating: “We will consider excluding album and digital sales data from agencies and artists suspected of tampering from Circle Chart’s count. Additionally, we will look into suspending the provision of data to music programs (M Countdown, Music Bank, Show! Music Core, Inkigayo, etc.) and major national music awards (Circle Chart Music Awards, MAMA, Golden Disc Awards).”
Finally, the KMCA concluded: “These measures are essential to maintain order and promote sustainable development in the popular music sector. Extreme self-interest will ultimately lead to division and mutual destruction in the music industry. We urge all parties involved in this case to approach the investigation sincerely with a sense of responsibility for the damage caused to the image of the industry. KMCA will work closely with all stakeholders to seek solutions for the healthy development of the sector.”
After reading this announcement, many Korean netizens were shocked, and most of them expressed their support for NewJeans.
They have since left comments like, “The more I see things like this, I think NewJeans is really clean and has nothing to lose, so external factors do everything to interfere and hold them back,” “Excluding NewJeans from the rankings and refusing to provide related data from shows and awards is ultimately like trying to manipulate the rankings,” AND “Is NewJeans a slave? Was what NewJeans signed not a contract, but a document of slavery? In a free country, who are you to repress and violate personal freedom?”
Source: Naver, theqoo
