Will YG Entertainment Artists Return To KBS Variety Shows?

On April 9, the Korean outlet OSEN published a report which outlined the alleged negotiations between YG Entertainment's Yang Hyun Suk and a high ranking representative from KBS' variety show department. 

In April 2014, Jinusean  broke the ice as one of the first YG artists to perform on the chart show "Music Bank." 

KBS and YG Entertainment have previously denied any conflicts but their strained relationship has been apparent, over the years. Top artists including Big Bang and 2NE1 have not consistently appeared on "Music Bank" since 2011.

The report follows May 5  statements by YG Entertainment which denied rumors that Big Bang was boycotting KBS programs. 

PSY made frequent appearances on the program for his "Gangnam Style" and "Gentleman" promotions but the last "Music Bank" win from 2NE1 was for their 2011 hit "I am the Best." Big Bang has also sporadically appeared on the show. Their last collective performance was in March 2012 during their promotional activities for "Blue." However, G-Dragon and Taeyang have received "Music Bank" awards for their respective solo releases and WINNER was honored "Empty."

The possible negotiations follow the recent "Music Bank" win by BTS (Bangtan Boys). Big Bang, who released "Loser" and "Bae Bae" on May 1 were not nominated. 

The alleged conflict has implications beyond K-pop, potentially impacting other variety show and Korean drama appearances. Numerous YG artists made guest appearances during the 2 year period that Epik High's Tablo and his daughter Haru appeared on the KBS variety show, "The Return of Superman." G-Dragon and Taeyang were key guests, connecting K-pop fans to the variety program. 

The reported negotiations were also conducted prior to the launch of the highly anticipated docu-drama, "Producer." K-pop idols have shown strong interest in the program due to the inclusion of "Music Bank" within the plot and the overseas marketing potential of Kim Soo Hyun.