On April 21, 2026, the South Korean music industry was rocked by a dramatic escalation in the ongoing dispute between the popular K-pop group THE BOYZ and their management agency, One Hundred Label. Nine out of the group’s ten members—Sangyeon, Jacob, Younghoon, Hyunjae, Juyeon, Kevin, Q, Sunwoo, and Eric—filed a criminal complaint against One Hundred Label’s CEO, Cha Gawon, accusing him of embezzlement under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes. The move marks a significant turn in a conflict that has been brewing for months, drawing intense public and industry scrutiny.
The legal action stems from a contract dispute that first surfaced in February 2026. At that time, the nine members notified One Hundred Label of their intention to terminate their exclusive contracts, citing unpaid settlement payments dating back to July 2025. According to the group’s legal representatives at Yulchon LLC, the artists also claimed that the agency had not provided adequate access to accounting records, further fueling suspicions about financial transparency and fair compensation.
Notably, member New did not join his bandmates in the criminal complaint, though he remains part of the group. This detail has sparked speculation among fans and industry observers about the internal dynamics of THE BOYZ and the possible reasons for his absence from the legal proceedings. However, neither New nor his representatives have issued a public statement regarding his decision.
One Hundred Label, for its part, has categorically denied all allegations of embezzlement and wrongdoing. In a formal statement released to the press, the agency asserted, “No embezzlement was found in an audit by an accounting firm.” The company further argued that the criminal complaint lacked sufficient legal grounds, describing it as “an unfounded claim.” The agency made it clear that it intends to respond forcefully, stating that it will “consider all legal measures, including action for false accusations.”
According to Billboard Korea, One Hundred Label also contends that it has fulfilled its contractual obligations, including the payment of all contract signing fees and settlement amounts to the members. The agency emphasized its ongoing support for the group, reiterating its “commitment to the full group activities of all 10 members.” Despite the rift, One Hundred Label insists it has “borne considerable costs to maintain group activities” and that it aims to resolve the situation within the bounds of the law and contractual agreements.
At the heart of the dispute are three interconnected issues: the validity of the members’ contracts, the accuracy and timeliness of financial settlements, and the overall transparency of the agency’s management practices. Both sides now await a court judgment that could have far-reaching implications for artist-agency relationships in the K-pop industry.
The legal battle has not gone unnoticed in the Korean media. On April 22, 2026, Channel A published a news report titled “Singer THE BOYZ files criminal complaint against agency CEO for embezzlement.” The article, while providing details of the complaint, also included prominent disclaimers about the accuracy and responsibility for content linked through Channel A’s services. This underscores the sensitive nature of the case and the broader caution exercised by media outlets when reporting on high-profile legal disputes in the entertainment sector.
For fans, the most pressing concern is whether the discord will disrupt THE BOYZ’s upcoming activities. Remarkably, despite the ongoing legal wrangling, the group is set to proceed with its scheduled solo concert, “INTER-ZECTION,” to be held from April 24 to April 26, 2026, at the KSPO DOME in Seoul’s Songpa-gu Olympic Park. According to the group’s representatives, “THE BOYZ will fulfill their previously confirmed schedule out of responsibility to fans and stakeholders.” This commitment to their audience, even amid turmoil, is a testament to the group’s professionalism and the powerful connection they maintain with their supporters.
The case has broader implications for the K-pop industry, where disputes over settlement payments, contract transparency, and artist rights have become increasingly visible in recent years. The industry’s rapid globalization has brought both unprecedented opportunities and heightened scrutiny to the business practices of entertainment agencies. Cases like this one highlight the urgent need for clear, fair, and transparent agreements between artists and management—a point echoed by industry analysts and advocacy groups alike.
One Hundred Label has also raised concerns about the role of legal representatives in the dispute, alleging that “false information provided by some legal advisors has damaged the trust between the company and the members.” The agency maintains that it has “established transparent plans for future settlements” and that it remains open to dialogue, provided it is grounded in facts and mutual respect.
Meanwhile, the legal process is expected to be lengthy and closely watched. Both parties have indicated their willingness to see the matter through the courts, and the outcome could set important precedents for how similar disputes are handled in the future. As the legal teams prepare their arguments, industry observers are keenly aware that the stakes extend beyond the immediate parties involved. The resolution of the case could influence contract negotiations, dispute resolution mechanisms, and the overall power dynamics between artists and agencies throughout the K-pop world.
For now, fans and industry insiders alike are left waiting for the court’s decision. In the meantime, THE BOYZ’s upcoming concert is likely to serve as both a litmus test of the group’s resilience and a rallying point for supporters who hope to see the artists emerge from this ordeal stronger and more unified than ever. As the case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that can arise behind the scenes in the glittering world of K-pop—and the importance of transparency, fairness, and trust in sustaining the industry’s global success.