Agency Owes Tens of Billions of Won in Unpaid Wages, CEO Accused of Embezzlement, 9 THE BOYZ Members Seek Contract Termination

(Seoul, 20th) South Korean boy group THE BOYZ is currently embroiled in a contract dispute with their agency One Hundred. While member New has chosen to remain, the other nine members reportedly filed for contract termination as early as February.

The members cited “serious contract violations” and a “breakdown of trust,” also requesting access to detailed financial records. However, after a month, the company has yet to provide the requested documents and instead demanded penalty fees, causing negotiations to collapse.

The group has faced multiple controversies recently, including a bomb threat during a concert and the departure of former member Ju Haknyeon amid allegations. Additionally, company head Cha Ga-won has been accused of financial misconduct.

Reports suggest the company may be facing severe financial difficulties, with unpaid earnings amounting to billions of Korean won since the third quarter of last year. Payments to staff and partners are also reportedly delayed, and members may even have to cover certain concert expenses themselves.

The company denied allegations of misusing a housing deposit of approximately 150 million KRW, calling the claims baseless.

Financial reports from 2024 show liabilities of around 53.2 billion KRW, exceeding its market value of approximately 34.2 billion KRW.

Meanwhile, artists under its subsidiary Big Planet Made—including VIVIZ, Lee Mujin, and BE'O—have also filed for contract termination. Taemin recently completed his departure as well.