K-pop girl group RESCENE, under The Muze Entertainment, is facing intense scrutiny following claims of mistreatment that circulated online. Fans raised an alarm after a video from Idol Backstage suggested the members experienced unsafe living conditions and inappropriate management practices. Additionally, two members’ livestream clips revealed intense shouting and screaming from a woman and a man.
RESCENE, consisting of May, Zena, Woni, Liv, and Minami, debuted on March 26 last year with the single album Re:Scene. Their most recent comeback was with their second single album, Dearest, released in July.
The group’s fanbase, known as REMINE, has followed their journey closely—but recent reports have shifted the spotlight from their music to concerns over their welfare.
Allegations of Mistreatment Against RESCENE’s Agency
Concerns first spread after a YouTube video alleged that the company had removed dorm doors as punishment when members did not follow strict dieting rules. Another troubling point was that a male manager told the members they could sleep in his room if the air conditioning stopped working.
These claims sparked outrage among fans, many of whom highlighted potential violations of South Korea’s Youth Protection Act. The act requires that minors’ physical and mental health be safeguarded in entertainment environments.
Fans emphasized that encouraging idols to stay healthy is acceptable, but punishing them for snacking or creating unsafe dorm conditions crosses a serious line.
The Muze Entertainment Responds
Amid growing speculation, Josh, CEO of The Muze Entertainment, issued a detailed response. He dismissed many of the claims as misunderstandings, stressing that some of what was said on Idol Backstage “was exaggerated for entertainment purposes.”
Addressing the most alarming allegation, Josh clarified: “The manager wearing a white mask (Gamja) is female. No male staff members ever enter the members’ dormitories, so please don’t worry.”
On the issue of the missing dorm door, he explained: “As Minami mentioned in the video, she accidentally bumped into it and it came off. If the members had ever wanted the door reinstalled, of course, we would have done so right away.”
He also pushed back against rumors of enforced dieting, saying, “The members are eating very well and are absolutely not underfed. The Muze always puts the artists’ health, mental well-being, and happiness first.”
Josh highlighted that the company maintains good relationships with the members’ parents, noting: “We stay in close contact with the members’ parents, speaking with them every week.”
He closed with gratitude toward fans, writing: “Not a single RESCENE member regrets joining The Muze, signing with me, or the promises we have made together. We will always do our very best to repay REMINE’s love, so please keep supporting us warmly.”
On the issue of noises heard during live broadcasts, the CEO clarified that they came from passersby outside the building, as the company’s office is located near a university. He added that members are always accompanied by managers during commutes or outings to ensure safety.
The statement concluded with an apology for the worry caused, stressing that The Muze exists for RESCENE and that the group has no regrets about joining the agency.
Despite the CEO’s clarification, the controversy has not fully subsided. Some fans remain skeptical, pointing out inconsistencies between fan observations and the company’s explanation.
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Allegations about RESCENE’s dorm life and management spark debate on idol welfare. CEO Josh responds, clarifying misunderstandings and company policies.
