Singer Sung Hoon, who departed from the popular R&B group Brown Eyed Soul in 2023, has sparked a public dispute with the group's management agency over the circumstances surrounding his exit. The vocalist has made explosive allegations against Long Play Music, claiming he was mistreated and forced out of the group he had been part of for two decades.
On October 7, Sung Hoon released a detailed statement on his social media accounts, breaking his silence about why he left the acclaimed vocal group. He described waiting patiently for a new group album in 2022, but explained that production delays continued as fellow member Naul was recovering from serious throat problems. "I prayed for his recovery and was relieved to see him appear on the MBC TV show 'Hangout with Yoo,'" Sung Hoon wrote in his post.
However, Sung Hoon claims he was completely caught off guard when he discovered through internet reports that Naul was planning to launch a solo project during his supposed recovery period. "That's when 20 years of pent-up frustration and anger began to explode," he revealed, adding that the management company actively prevented him from operating his personal YouTube channel. The most damaging allegation came when Sung Hoon claimed the label told him, "to kneel and beg Naul if I wanted to keep doing YouTube."
The former Brown Eyed Soul member expressed particular pain over comments made by the agency regarding his relationship with other group members. "What still hurts is when they said they didn't know if my brothers would forgive me," he stated. Sung Hoon also criticized the label's decision to keep his recorded vocals on the group's fifth album despite his departure, saying, "It would have been polite to remove my voice from the record. What's clear is that it wasn't my decision to leave."
Long Play Music quickly responded with their own statement, offering a dramatically different account of the situation. The agency claimed that "Sung Hoon experienced psychological difficulties and instability during the pandemic and due to other members' health issues." They stated they were informed he received professional counseling and treatment during this challenging period. More seriously, the label alleged that "he repeatedly sent personal attacks and inappropriate messages to other members and their families," making continued collaboration impossible.
The agency maintained that despite their efforts to support Sung Hoon's individual activities, the exclusive contract was ultimately "terminated by mutual agreement as it had become difficult to continue group work." This version of events directly contradicts Sung Hoon's claims that he was forced out against his will.
Sung Hoon vehemently denied the agency's characterizations, particularly their allegations about personal attacks. "They said I made personal attacks on a member and his family – I want them to post exactly what I said," he demanded in his response. He also announced his intention to pursue legal action to clear his name, stating, "I, too, hope for great music and performances ahead, but if they brand me as mentally ill after 20 years of shared struggle, I will fight to protect my honor."
The timing of this public dispute is particularly significant as Brown Eyed Soul recently released their fifth full-length album, "Soul Tricycle," on September 23. The group is also scheduled to hold their first solo concert in six years this December, marking a major comeback for the remaining members. However, the bitter public exchange between Sung Hoon and the agency has cast a shadow over these professional milestones and left many longtime fans deeply concerned about the group's future and legacy.
