Seoul – Rookie K-Pop girl group VVUP’s agency, EgoENT, is currently embroiled in a significant financial scandal, facing multiple civil lawsuits over alleged unpaid production and service fees. The total sum of the claims against the company is reportedly nearing 1 Billion KRW (approximately $725,000 USD), sending shockwaves through the international K-Pop fandom.
According to reports, at least two lawsuits have been filed against EgoENT, seeking a combined 668.8 million KRW. Furthermore, additional staff members, including a choreographer, music video producer, and stylist, have also come forward, claiming they have not received payment for their work on VVUP’s albums, music videos, styling, and choreography. This brings the total alleged unpaid amount to a staggering 970 million KRW, pushing close to the 1 Billion KRW mark.
Staff members accuse EgoENT of repeatedly failing to make payments, even after signing written agreements. In one alarming instance, an agreement promising a payment of 336.6 million KRW by January 1, 2026, was allegedly never honored. Further investigation into the company’s finances revealed a dire situation: when staff members legally froze EgoENT’s bank accounts in an attempt to recover their dues, they reportedly found little to no money left. Several staff members also claim they personally covered work-related expenses, including costly overseas filming, styling, directing, lessons, and choreography, without reimbursement.
The news has ignited a passionate response from the international fandom. Many are expressing deep sympathy for VVUP themselves, with comments like, “This really sucks for the ladies, I like VVUP’s music.” The sudden quiet period surrounding the group had already prompted fan speculation, and this revelation has provided a grim answer. “I was wondering why they’ve been quiet,” one fan lamented.
The situation has also fueled broader concerns about the viability of smaller K-Pop agencies in a cutthroat industry. “Another company imploding, it’s rough out there!” and “Seems things are getting even harder for small agencies to even exist. Really sucks for the groups,” are sentiments widely shared. Some fans even drew parallels, speculating if similar issues were behind the perceived absence of other groups: “I think this is also why UDTT has disappeared from my feeds.” (However, it’s worth noting that UDTT still posts daily, suggesting their situation is unrelated to financial silence.)
As the dispute is currently being handled through the courts, no final legal decision has been made. But for VVUP and their dedicated fans, the future of EgoENT, and consequently the group, hangs precariously in the balance.
(Translation by @cafjje)
