Korean artist Lee Seung Gi, who is both a singer and actor, is said to be trying to leave his exclusive agreement with his agency due to issues with the management of the firm.
The disagreement is about his relationship with Big Planet Made Entertainment, which is where Lee is signed as an artist. His lawyer said that the actor told the agency in late March that he wanted to end the contract because the terms had not been followed.
Lee Seung Gi's side says that the firing is legal and is the result of ongoing problems within the company that have gotten worse in the last few months. The main issue is claims about unpaid bills for staff and outside partners who help him with his entertainment activities.
Lee's side sent a statement through his lawyer that talked about the loss of trust. The statement explained the events that led to the choice. "Despite various issues surrounding the agency and some unpaid settlement amounts, we tried to maintain trust. However, problems arose with support for entertainment activities and payment to staff and external partners."
SBS reported that the statement made it clear that the situation had reached a point where the current arrangement could not continue. Concerns about how much staff would be paid were brought up as a major factor in the decision.
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Lee's representatives also stated that the move aimed to safeguard the behind-the-scenes workers from further harm. The statement made it clear why the person was fired. "Despite the situation, Lee Seung Gi plans to carry out his existing schedules without disruption and expressed his intention to continue activities responsibly for fans and staff."
Koreaboo says that the controversy surrounding Big Planet Made Entertainment has been growing, and several artists are said to be thinking about or ending their contracts with the agency. The industry at large has increasingly focused on the issue, particularly regarding relations between agencies and artists and financial matters concerning the latter.
It was reported in recent media news that a significant number of artists, among whom are several famous representatives of K-pop, either left the record label or are threatening to leave. Such events raise serious questions regarding the internal workings of the agency and its ability to maintain the trust of its clients.
As Big Planet Made Entertainment's assertion that contractual negotiations are handled on a case-by-case basis, the increasing number of departures raises concerns about the company's stability.
Despite the unresolved issue, Lee Seung Gi intends to proceed with all his plans. Both fans and critics agree that his career goals and his workers' welfare come first.
