Chagawon has pledged efforts to normalize the situation while signaling potential legal action.
Concerns are rising about the deterioration of label operations due to departures of affiliated artists.
[TV Daily, Kim Ji-ha] EXO's Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin have initiated separation procedures from their label INB100, marking the end of their approximately two-year collaboration.
According to entertainment industry sources on April 10, the trio sent a certified notice of termination of their exclusive contracts to Chagawon, the representative of INB100, at the end of March. They requested explanations about unpaid amounts and potential contract violations, but have yet to receive a clear response.
INB100 was founded by Baekhyun and was integrated into Won Hundred in May 2024. However, issues like delayed settlements and unpaid external costs have led various artists under the label to terminate their contracts, with ChenBaekXi's move being a continuation of this troubling trend. Chagawon has expressed a commitment to normalizing operations and indicated intentions for legal action.
The separation of ChenBaekXi from INB100 highlights the complexities in the relationships between K-pop artists and their labels. Artists tend to prioritize their label's managerial standing and credibility, often considering separation when financial grievances rise. In this case, the choice to part ways after two years of diverse projects stands out significantly.
Chagawon’s intent to pursue legal action may signal a commitment to resolving financial issues, but whether this will serve as a positive signal to fans and artists remains uncertain. Fans of ChenBaekXi are anxious about how this decision will impact their future activities, especially regarding the artists securing new contracts and their subsequent growth trajectories.
From Chagawon’s perspective, this could be a critical moment, as the departure of prominent artists may severely impact the operations of the label. If the ongoing legal and settlement issues aren't resolved, there is a serious risk of further departures beyond just ChenBaekXi.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: TV Daily