Trot diva in contract dispute with agency

Aug 26, 2019

Trot diva Hong Jin-young is in a contract termination dispute with her agency.

Trot diva Hong Jin-young is in dispute with her agency Music K over the termination of her contract.

Hong announced her decision and reason to leave the agency on Instagram Friday. She described the agency as her family for which she had worked for 10 years and how this had made her feel more betrayed.

She wrote: "My health started to deteriorate and starting this June, I had a strong lower abdominal pain and got surgery. It became hard to carry out all the schedules and I have informed the agency but they forced the schedules on me."

She claimed there were dual contracts with advertisers that she did not know about and doubtful profit payment calculations.

"The agency did not apologize and admit, but made excuses," Hong said. "I decided that our trust in this relationship is broken. I filed a contract termination lawsuit today."

Music K said it was a misunderstanding and the contract was already in her favor. As for the profit share, the agency said she had earned 1 billion won ($820770).

Fans show mixed emotions to the conflict. One netizen commented: "She sells well. Her sister is potential TV personnel. She must have felt enough to leave her current agency, all for the money."

As Hong, her sister and mother star in SBS reality show "My Little Old Boy," some fans accused the artist of being greedy and profit-oriented for gaining money using her family.

But many fans showed their support. One commented: "I could clearly see your failing health from fatigue and strict performance schedules." Another wrote: "We will stand behind you and support you always."

Tags: #K-pop;