South Korea’s leading music industry associations have jointly appealed to the National Assembly and the government for immediate policy intervention to eradicate "tampering" practices in the K-pop industry. In a collective statement released on February 19, five major organizations—Korea Entertainment Management Association, Korea Entertainment Producers Association, Korea Music Label Industry Association, Korea Music Record Industry Association, and Korea Music Content Association—voiced their growing concerns over the destabilizing effects of tampering on the K-pop ecosystem.
The appeal comes in the wake of the ongoing dispute between NewJeans and former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin, which the associations criticized for bypassing proper legal channels and fostering public controversy. The statement specifically condemned Min’s press conferences and media campaigns, as well as NewJeans member Hanni’s appearance at the National Assembly hearing and the group’s independent activities, arguing that these moves have sidestepped formal negotiation or legal processes.
The associations warned that such actions are sowing confusion within the industry and could set a dangerous precedent. "Engaging in independent activities before receiving legal judgments creates chaos within the industry and risks pushing the K-pop sector into a crisis," they stated. The public nature of these disputes, they argued, not only influences public opinion but could also destabilize the entire K-pop market.
Central to the associations’ concerns is the issue of tampering—a practice where external parties interfere with existing contracts, often luring artists away from their agencies without proper legal procedures. "Ignoring this issue any longer could lead to irreversible damage," the statement read. "If tampering succeeds, it could dismantle the entertainment management industry entirely, leaving the K-pop market vulnerable to takeover by foreign capital."
Citing NewJeans' recent announcement of a new stage name and a new agent, the associations highlighted how contract breaches could jeopardize the industry’s stability. "If contracts can be unilaterally terminated without legal backing, the K-pop industry will lose its foundation for sustainability," they warned.
The core of preventing tampering, according to the associations, lies in upholding the integrity of exclusive contracts. "There must be systemic support to investigate tampering practices and to foster a culture of honoring exclusive agreements," they emphasized.
Finally, the associations called on lawmakers and government officials to recognize the gravity of the issue. "This is not a simple conflict between stakeholders; it poses a serious risk to one of Korea’s most vital cultural industries," the statement concluded. They urged swift legislative action to ensure the long-term stability of K-pop, which has become a major driver of Korea's global cultural influence.
Sayart / Kelly.K, pittou8181@gmail.com
Courtesy of Ador
South Korea’s leading music industry associations have jointly appealed to the National Assembly and the government for immediate policy intervention to eradicate "tampering" practices in the K-pop industry. In a collective statement released on February 19, five major organizations—Korea Entertainment Management Association, Korea Entertainment Producers Association, Korea Music Label Industry Association, Korea Music Record Industry Association, and Korea Music Content Association—voiced their growing concerns over the destabilizing effects of tampering on the K-pop ecosystem.
The appeal comes in the wake of the ongoing dispute between NewJeans and former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin, which the associations criticized for bypassing proper legal channels and fostering public controversy. The statement specifically condemned Min’s press conferences and media campaigns, as well as NewJeans member Hanni’s appearance at the National Assembly hearing and the group’s independent activities, arguing that these moves have sidestepped formal negotiation or legal processes.
The associations warned that such actions are sowing confusion within the industry and could set a dangerous precedent. "Engaging in independent activities before receiving legal judgments creates chaos within the industry and risks pushing the K-pop sector into a crisis," they stated. The public nature of these disputes, they argued, not only influences public opinion but could also destabilize the entire K-pop market.
Central to the associations’ concerns is the issue of tampering—a practice where external parties interfere with existing contracts, often luring artists away from their agencies without proper legal procedures. "Ignoring this issue any longer could lead to irreversible damage," the statement read. "If tampering succeeds, it could dismantle the entertainment management industry entirely, leaving the K-pop market vulnerable to takeover by foreign capital."
Citing NewJeans' recent announcement of a new stage name and a new agent, the associations highlighted how contract breaches could jeopardize the industry’s stability. "If contracts can be unilaterally terminated without legal backing, the K-pop industry will lose its foundation for sustainability," they warned.
The core of preventing tampering, according to the associations, lies in upholding the integrity of exclusive contracts. "There must be systemic support to investigate tampering practices and to foster a culture of honoring exclusive agreements," they emphasized.
Finally, the associations called on lawmakers and government officials to recognize the gravity of the issue. "This is not a simple conflict between stakeholders; it poses a serious risk to one of Korea’s most vital cultural industries," the statement concluded. They urged swift legislative action to ensure the long-term stability of K-pop, which has become a major driver of Korea's global cultural influence.
