The Korea Music Content Association (KMCA) is under fire from netizens following its December 13 statement addressing the ongoing contract dispute between NewJeans and their agency, ADOR. The association sided with HYBE and criticized NewJeans’ decision to terminate their contracts, calling it an act of “tampering.”
KMCA’s Stance and Threatened Measures
In its statement, KMCA drew comparisons to the controversy involving FIFTY FIFTY, suggesting that both groups acted under external influence to break their contracts. The association demanded Min Hee Jin, the former ADOR CEO, clarify her involvement in the alleged tampering case.
The statement also proposed drastic measures, including:
- Excluding the albums and digital sales of artists involved in “tampering” from Circle Chart rankings.
- Halting data sharing with music shows like M Countdown and Inkigayo, as well as major award ceremonies like the Golden Disc Awards and MAMA.
- Imposing an industry-wide boycott of the artists and their labels.
KMCA justified these steps as necessary to protect the integrity of the K-pop industry and ensure fair treatment for all stakeholders.
See the full statement below.
We have already seen the so-called “tamping” attempt by an outside producer hired by an entertainment agency (hereinafter referred to as ‘agency’) to cajole young and promising artists and parents to break up exclusive contract relationships with existing agencies in the ‘FIFTY FIFTY’ incident…The recent reports by certain media outlets regarding the allegations of former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin’s involvement in tampering, regardless of the truth of the allegations, starkly reveal how widespread tampering is in the K-pop industry, which is very concerning. Moreover, this situation also shows that tampering attempts can occur not only in small to mid-sized agencies but also in large agencies, making it impossible for our association to just stand by any longer.
— KMCA
Netizens React to KMCA’s Statement
The KMCA’s position sparked outrage among netizens, both domestically and internationally. Many criticized the association for attempting to silence artists and perpetuate an unequal power dynamic in the K-pop industry.
Comments from online forums like theqoo highlighted widespread disapproval:
“Why are they telling them to come back when they said they’re leaving due to a contract violation? This is ridiculous.”
“Wow, who do they think they are, telling others to live like slaves?”
“Chart sites stay silent on music chart manipulation but release a statement on this? Lol.”
“How much money did they stuff themselves with to behave this way?”
Some netizens pointed out that KMCA’s proposed actions might violate the “JYJ Law”—a regulation enacted in 2015 to prevent broadcasters from blacklisting artists without valid reasons.
Growing Scrutiny on Power Dynamics in K-Pop
This controversy has reignited debates over the treatment of artists in the K-pop industry and the influence of major agencies. As netizens continue to criticize KMCA’s approach, the matter highlights the ongoing struggle for fairness and accountability in the entertainment sector.
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Source: Theqoo
