Trot singer Eun Ga-eun has notified her agency of the termination of her exclusive contract due to unpaid settlement fees, while the agency's CEO refuted, stating, "There is nothing that has not been settled."
On the 28th, in a phone interview with Maeil Business Star Today, CEO Kang In-seok of TSM Entertainment stated, "We have not yet received the content certification sent by Eun Ga-eun's side."
CEO Kang claimed, "It seems that they are alleging unpaid settlements and interference with work based on the articles that have come out, but there has been no interference with schedules, and there has been no unpaid settlement fees." He also stated, "The claim of interference with new songs is about a specific song. When releasing a song, the company and the artist discuss and consider various situations before making a final decision. To say that the company is at fault for a specific song not being successful is not the same as saying there was interference."
He continued, "After 'Miss Trot 2' ended, Eun Ga-eun released the most songs among all the artists who appeared on the show. We have monitored numerous songs and have continuously worked together with the artist," emphasizing that they have faithfully carried out their management duties.
CEO Kang stated, "We have completed all settlements for September 2024 without missing a penny. The contract states that settlements must be made within 45 days, and there is a provision that allows for an extension of up to 45 days. (For example) the settlement for October can be made by December 15," adding, "As a small company, sometimes settlements are made quickly, and sometimes they are a bit delayed. However, there has been nothing unpaid until now." He further explained, "We have all the settlement documents and sent everything from vehicle rental contracts to insurance fees and small receipts last Friday."
On the morning of the same day, lawyer Lim Sa-ra, representing Eun Ga-eun, stated to Star Today, "We have sent a content certification to the agency TSM Entertainment," confirming the notification of the termination of the exclusive contract. Lawyer Lim explained, "The agency has interfered with schedules and the progress of new song work, and the settlement fees have not been paid. Even when we request supporting documents for the payment of settlement fees, they are not being provided."
According to lawyer Lim, Eun Ga-eun signed a five-year exclusive contract with TSM Entertainment, which will expire in the spring of 2025. Eun Ga-eun has been requesting supporting documents for settlement fees and expenses for over a month, but has not received any documents, making it impossible to ascertain how much is unpaid. Lawyer Lim stated, "It seems we will have to obtain the documents through litigation," adding, "We are currently preparing for a lawsuit."
Eun Ga-eun debuted as a ballad singer in 2013 before transitioning to a trot singer. She gained significant recognition after placing 7th in the TV Chosun competition program 'Tomorrow is Miss Trot 2' aired in 2022. Recently, she announced that she has started a public relationship with trot singer Park Hyun-ho, who is five years younger, and they are scheduled to marry in April next year.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
