Controversy Surrounds (G)I-DLE's Soyeon and Cube Entertainment: Contract and Performance Issues

《Lim Min-kyung's Siren》

Lim Min-kyung from TenAsia sounds the siren on the rapidly evolving entertainment industry. She highlights unseen issues and alerts us to threats and changes surrounding the entertainment world.

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(G)I-DLE's Soyeon has repeatedly stirred controversy on stage, with her agency, Cube Entertainment, exacerbating the issues. During the '2024 MAMA AWARDS,' Soyeon mentioned contract termination and a former member's name, leading to concerns about her contract renewal as Cube Entertainment excluded her from a post-performance gathering.

On the 25th, criticism emerged online regarding Soyeon's solo performance at the '2024 MAMA AWARDS.' Negative reactions also targeted Cube Entertainment's handling of the situation.

Previously, Soyeon performed a self-written rap at the MAMA Awards on November 23, mentioning her contract termination with Cube Entertainment and former member Seo Soojin, who left the group in 2021 due to a school bullying controversy. Her lyrics included, "You said in 2021, 'What can you do without Soojin?' / Contract termination, company, whatever / If I were affected by that, I wouldn't have come this far."

Fans and the public expressed discomfort on platforms like 'X' and Instagram, with comments such as, "I understand the message, but it leaves a strange feeling," and "Mentioning Soojin, who is still active, seems inappropriate and disrespectful."

Some fans defended Soyeon, stating, "The lyrics fit the diss rap theme. Isn't the message good?" and "An artist should express what they want on stage. She just spoke her mind." Others speculated that Soojin must have permitted the mention of her name.

Although Soyeon hinted at contract termination during her MAMA Awards performance, she also expressed a desire to continue group activities, calming some fan concerns. However, Cube Entertainment reignited worries the following day.

On November 24, a Reels video posted on (G)I-DLE's official Instagram account showed members enjoying a post-performance meal, but Soyeon was absent. Her personal Instagram account was also not tagged in the post.

Viewers questioned Soyeon's absence in the video's comments, with one fan asking, "Where is Soyeon? Not tagging her makes me anxious. Is she not renewing her contract?" Speculation arose that Soyeon might have skipped the gathering due to unresolved group activity discussions.

This isn't the first time Soyeon's performance lyrics have sparked controversy. On August 3, during a solo stage at a (G)I-DLE concert, she altered lyrics to mention "November contract termination, who can stop me," revealing confidential contract details and causing speculation about her contract renewal.

Cube Entertainment's mishandling of Soyeon's issues is also not new. In August, they initially denied media reports about the contract termination performance, claiming no official statement was made and that the performance was not agreed upon. However, they later admitted to being aware of the performance and lyrics, confirming the contract termination timing and ongoing renewal discussions.

The recurring issues between Soyeon and Cube Entertainment highlight the agency's struggle to manage an artist who is increasingly vocal about her opinions, hindering contract renewal discussions.

Both Soyeon and Cube Entertainment share responsibility. While an artist's message shouldn't be overly censored, respect for the company and other artists is crucial. Even if Soojin permitted the use of her name, such mentions could upset her supporters.

Cube Entertainment should avoid creating uncertainty about Soyeon's contract renewal. The group rarely shares post-performance gatherings, and excluding Soyeon from the video and tags only heightened fan anxiety. With the contract status unresolved, both the artist and agency should exercise caution for the sake of fans and shareholders.

Lim Min-kyung, TenAsia Reporter 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr