He advised Park Bom on handling frustrations while highlighting YG's internal injustices.
Now living as a civilian, Song has issued a warning regarding potential future actions.
Former 1TYM member Song Baek-kyung has openly criticized YG Entertainment and its head producer Yang Hyun-suk. On December 12, he took to his social media to express disappointment toward Yang, contrasting the respect shown by artists from SM Entertainment, who refer to their leaders with honorifics. His choice to refer to Yang as 'Yang-ga' reflects deeper grievances regarding his past experiences with the label, suggesting a lack of respect and professionalism.
In his remarks, Song also addressed former 2NE1 member Park Bom, advising her to express frustrations in a manner that is more restrained. He recounted a significant moment from his time at YG when he was offered a mere 5 million won for a contract renewal—a sum he deemed so low that it led him to realize the toxic nature of the company, ultimately deciding against renewing his contract. This revelation challenges the industry norms when it comes to artist management and contract negotiations.
Now living a regular life away from the entertainment industry, Song expressed an expectation that YG would remain silent in response to his claims. However, he asserted that he is no longer the person who would tolerate such disrespect, hinting at the possibility of a strong response if provoked.
Song Baek-kyung's statements bring to light the systemic power imbalances that exist between artists and their management companies within the entertainment industry. His claim regarding the 5 million won contract renewal offers a glimpse into the treatment of artists at YG, highlighting a culture that could lead to negative repercussions for other artists in similar situations. Furthermore, the term 'Yang-ga' he used implies a disdain for the authoritarian relationships often seen within such companies.
This issue extends beyond Song's individual experiences and reflects a broader structural concern within the South Korean entertainment landscape. Many artists find themselves in precarious contractual situations that erode trust in their management firms. The revelations made by Song could provoke serious discussions not just regarding YG, but also about the practices of other management agencies in the industry.
Ultimately, Song Baek-kyung's decision to speak out stems from a reflective process based on his experiences in the industry. While personal motivations are certainly at play, his voice could serve as a necessary contribution towards promoting a healthier entertainment ecosystem.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: TVDaily
