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The Korea Music Content Association (KMCA) faced backlash for calling to boycott K-pop groups NewJeans and Ablume over allegations of tampering in the industry. On December 13, 2024, South Korean media outlet SPOTV News reported that the KMCA released a statement urging music programs and major award shows to exclude artists and agencies implicated in tampering.
The statement read,
"The Korea Music Content Association expresses deep concern about the tampering attempts that have recently become an issue in the popular music industry, and declares that it will make every effort to eradicate tampering that could shake the foundation of the Korean popular music industry."
Tampering refers to unauthorized efforts to persuade artists to break their contracts. The KMCA expressed growing concern over this issue, citing controversies involving groups like FIFTY FIFTY and NewJeans. The association emphasized its commitment to eliminating such practices to protect the integrity of the Korean music industry.
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For context, this follows NewJeans' legal dispute over allegations of mistreatment with their label, ADOR, and its parent company, HYBE. Similarly, Ablume was formed by three former members of FIFTY FIFTY after departing their previous group and agency amid accusations of contract violations.
The internet has criticized the KMCA’s statement, accusing it of targeting artists rather than addressing systemic issues. Fans argued that NewJeans and Ablume have spoken out against their agencies due to alleged mistreatment, and penalizing them could discourage other artists from voicing legitimate grievances. An X user, @letjustinkook wrote,
"This is DISGUSTING btw what happened to protecting Artists???"
Many others also criticized the KMCA for its recent call to broadcasting stations and award shows, urging them to boycott the mentioned groups.
"why not boycott the inhumane companys that treat their idols like dogsh*t instead ??," an X user added.
"“tampering” and it’s just young women and girls standing up against abuse," a fan mentioned.
"if the kpop industry is against you, that means you're definitely doing something right," another netizen commented.
"so they want to shut down people who raise their voices against mistreatment?," a fan wrote.
As the controversy unfolds netizens also demand accountability and fairness from all parties involved.
"they're so desperate to strip idols of their rights because them speaking out against their companies' abusive practices undermines and threatens the entire industry," a fan mentioned.
"End of day, all KOMCA is is just another organisation that wants $$$$$ The case has been brought to court and there isn’t even a ruling yet. KPOP artists should just go on strike now. It doesn’t even make sense how they’re being treated like products more than human beings," an X user wrote.
"seeing what state kpop industry is in, i feel disappointed and disgusted. this level of corruption is something. i don’t want to support kpop anymore," a netizen remarked.
More about the statement released by the KMCA regarding NewJeans and Ablume
The KMCA further proposed drastic measures, including excluding suspected artists and agencies from data collection on Circle Chart, a key music industry tracker. The statement recommended withholding their participation from popular music shows like M Countdown, Inkigayo, and Music Bank.
These included award ceremonies such as the Circle Chart Music Awards, MAMA, and the Golden Disc Awards. The statement read,
"Circle Chart, which is operated by this association, will consider excluding the album and music source sales of the agencies and related artists suspected of tampering from the statistics. "
Further naming the programs and events, the KMCA stated,
"In addition, we will consider excluding and supplying data from music broadcast programs (M Countdown, Music Bank, Music Core, Inkigayo, The Show, Show! Champion, The Trot Show, ENA K-Pop Chart Show, a total of 8 music broadcast programs) and major domestic music award ceremonies (Circle Chart Music Awards, MAMA, Golden Disc) that Circle Chart provides data for."
In its statement, the KMCA also highlighted the long-standing issues tied to tampering, referencing the 2023 legal battle between Fifty Fifty and their agency ATTRAKT. It also pointed to recent allegations against former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, which have raised concerns about tampering at both small and large agencies.
The KMCA has urged NewJeans to honor their contracts or resolve the issue through legal channels rather than public confrontation. However, the internet has largely sided with the group, viewing their actions as a stand against alleged exploitation.
The new girl group Ablume, comprising former Fifty Fifty members Saena, Aran, and Sio, has also been implicated in the tampering allegations. After leaving ATTRAKT following disputes over unpaid earnings and alleged mistreatment, the trio signed with Massive E&C. Ablume debuted with promises to showcase unique artistry, but their ties to past legal disputes have kept them under scrutiny.
The KMCA has also called for regulatory reforms to address tampering, suggesting improved legal frameworks to protect both artists and agencies. While the association’s intentions may stem from a desire to uphold industry standards, the public sentiment highlights the complexity of balancing artist rights and contractual obligations.
