Asian Junkie Asian pop. Without discretion.
IHOTEU of JDB Entertainment has officially announced their disbandment just seven months after debut, and while that in itself isn’t that surprising, the reason certainly was. The CEO of the company, Lee Kang Hee, resigned after admitting to an inappropriate relationship with a member of the group, and now the whole company is in limbo.
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A few days ago, pictures were posted online of JDBE’s CEO having an inappropriate relationship with a member of a group under his subsidiary company EFG Music.
Images circulated on social media showing the two in intimate situations, along with claims that they remained alone together after company events. The scandal prompted [the CEO’s] resignation from his executive positions, triggering an operational collapse at both companies.
The CEO admitted the relationship to the company’s board.
The CEO admit to his improper relationship with the girl group member. Employees within the company became aware of their relationship a few days ago. As it is a serious matter, we are currently considering what measures to take against the CEO.
EFGM declared legal action against the leaker, but obviously the damage appeared to have been done, as EFGM released a statement clarifying that the company’s future was now in question.
“All of IHOTEU’s scheduled activities have been permanently canceled. The company will temporarily suspend operations while determining its organizational future through internal audits and legal guidance. We understand the confusion and disappointment and sincerely apologize.”
Notably, the CEO is married with two children.
Uncoincidentally, EFGM quickly announced that IHOTEU’s Mina would be ceasing all group activities, but the other two members (Negi & Amu) would continue on. However, hours later they announced the termination of the exclusive contracts of all three members. A day later, EFG confirmed the group’s disbandment in a statement.
“After deep consideration of each member’s artistic direction and emotional safety, we’ve mutually decided to terminate all contracts. Mina graduated through internal discussions and has since deactivated her official activity accounts. Further discussions are unlikely, and we respect her decision.”
A report later confirmed the obvious, that a member from the group was in the relationship with the CEO.
I don’t have any information at the moment of the ages of those involved, but obviously just from the fact that a company’s CEO was dating an idol under his authority, it’s obviously going to raise red flags, even if you were to set aside the fact that he’s married.
