The Korea Music Content Association is calling for an end to suspicious contract dealings. The association is urging to ban tampering, which refers to premature contact between artists and new labels before their current contracts expire.
Concerns are swirling in the music industry about underhanded tactics used to lure artists away from their current labels. The practice, known as “tampering,” has already engulfed popular groups FIFTY FIFTY and NewJeans. Three FIFTY FIFTY members formed a new group ablume after terminating their contract with ATTRAKT.
On December 13, KMCA stated, “We express deep concern over the recent attempts at tampering that has become an issue in the popular music industry, and we declare that we’ll make every effort to eradicate tampering, which could undermine the foundation of South Korea’s popular music industry.”
“We have already witnessed attempts at ‘tampering’ where external producers hired by entertainment agencies lure young and promising artists and their parents to disrupt existing contracts with their current agencies, as seen in the FIFTY FIFTY incident,” the association added.
They continued, “The recent allegations of tampering against former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin, reported by certain media outlets, are concerning regardless of their validity. They reveal the pervasive nature of tampering in the music industry. Moreover, the possibility that tampering can occur not only in small and medium-sized agencies but also in large agencies makes it imperative for our association to take action.”
The Korea Music Copyright Association seeks a clear response from Min Hee Jin regarding tampering allegations. They requested facts and urged her to resolve the controversy instead of giving evasive statements.
KMCA is taking a strong stance against tampering in the K-pop industry by proposing improved laws and systems to the National Assembly and government.
To combat tampering, they will consider excluding album and music sales of agencies and artists suspected of tampering from Circle Chart’s statistics. Additionally, they will withhold data from eight music broadcast programs, including M Countdown, Music Bank, Music Core, Inkigayo, The Show, Show! Champion, and more..
Suspected tamperers will also be excluded from prominent music award ceremonies, such as the Circle Chart Music Awards, MAMA, and Golden Disc.
