Agency CEO Caught Allegedly Having An Affair With A Girl Group Member Of His Agency, He Steps Down + The Group Disbands
An allegation has surfaced that the CEO “A” of JDB Entertainment — home to comedians Kim Jun-ho and Kim Dae-hee — has been in an inappropriate relationship with a girl group member B, and the story has shocked fans!
The CEO has appeared multiple times on the MBC variety show The Manager (Omniscient Interfering View) and is known to be married with a wife and two children.
The issue started on June 17 when multiple entertainment industry insiders told TenAsia, “A and B have had multiple inappropriate meetings.” According to these sources, A and B continued to meet alone after finishing their scheduled activities. They were seen hugging or holding hands on the street late at night.
A source from the performance industry stated, “A drove around in a foreign car and went on dates with B. Even when they were around other people, B always sat next to A.”
Then, an executive “C” from JDB Entertainment said, “A has admitted to having had an inappropriate relationship with B. A few days ago, the staff at the company became aware of the relationship between A and B. Since it is a serious matter, the company is currently reviewing what disciplinary action to take against A.”
Later, it was announced that JDB Entertainment’s CEO “A” stepped down from his position and left the company.
When asked by TenAsia on the 16th of June whether he was in an extramarital relationship with an idol in his agency, A replied, “I can’t say anything about that right now.”
Shortly after the news, the girl group member ended up deactivating her SNS account.
Then, the names of the people involved in the allegations have come to light. It was revealed that the girl group in question is named IHOTEU and the CEO name is Lee Kang Hee.
IHOTEU is a three-member group consisting of Negi, Mina, and Amuro, who debuted under the slogan “Voyage to Unknown” and had primarily been active on performance stages.
Originally, IHOTEU’s side announced via social media that only one member will be halting activities with the remaining two continuing on: “Member Mina will be halting her activities as of today. Negi and Amuro will continue their activities.”
However, a subsequent notice stated they will be terminating their contracts with the group and the group will disband: “After much deliberation, we have decided to conclude the contract, considering each member’s artistic direction and emotional well-being. Mina has decided to graduate from the group following discussions that included herself. Further discussions are not feasible at this time, and the company respects her decision.”
The notice continued: “The current CEO is unable to directly participate in resolving the situation. As such, the internal management team is handling the operational wrap-up and proceeding with necessary responses step by step. Considering the overall circumstances, all activities under EFG Music will be temporarily suspended. The future of the company, including its continuation and organizational direction, will be determined after internal discussions and legal consultation.”
It also added: “Even after the termination of the contract, any upcoming live performances and related activities will be supported in accordance with prior agreements, with the top priority given to the wishes of the remaining two members.”
In October of last year, JDB Entertainment—which manages comedians Kim Jun-ho, Kim Dae-hee, and Yoo Sang-moo—established EFG Music and signed IHOTEU as its first artist.
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