On June 17, 2025, a scandal rocked South Korea's entertainment industry as A, the CEO of JDB Entertainment, was confirmed to have engaged in an improper relationship with B, a member of a girl group affiliated with the company. This revelation has sent shockwaves through the agency and its fans, prompting A’s resignation and a series of swift responses from the involved parties.
JDB Entertainment, known for managing prominent comedians such as Kim Jun-ho and Kim Dae-hee, found itself at the center of controversy when photos surfaced on social media platforms showing A and B in intimate moments. The images, widely circulated on X (formerly Twitter), depicted the two embracing and holding hands during late-night outings, fueling rumors of an extramarital affair.
A is a married man with two children, a fact that only intensified public scrutiny. According to multiple entertainment insiders who spoke to Tenasia, the relationship between A and B was not a one-time incident but rather a series of secret meetings. They reportedly met alone after completing their schedules, often seen hugging and holding hands on the streets late at night. One industry source even noted, "A drove a luxury foreign car while dating B, and whenever the group was together, B always sat next to A." This close proximity and the private encounters raised concerns within the company and among fans.
JDB Entertainment’s internal executive, referred to as C, confirmed that A admitted to having these inappropriate meetings with B. C also revealed that the company staff had become aware of the situation several days prior and were deliberating on the appropriate disciplinary measures. Despite the gravity of the situation, when asked directly about the affair during a June 16 phone interview with Tenasia, A declined to comment, stating, "I have nothing to say at this time." Meanwhile, B has deactivated her social media accounts, perhaps reflecting the pressure and backlash she faced amid the unfolding scandal.
Adding to the complexity, B is a member of a so-called "live idol" group, a category of performers who primarily focus on small theater performances rather than mainstream media appearances. This group operates under EFG Music, a subsidiary of JDB Entertainment. Following the spread of the photos and rumors, EFG Music announced on June 13 that they had terminated their exclusive contract with the group, and B had "graduated"—a term commonly used in K-pop to indicate a member’s departure from a group.
JDB Entertainment officially addressed the situation on June 17, confirming that they were meticulously verifying the facts surrounding the allegations. The company acknowledged A’s intention to resign from his position as CEO and issued a sincere apology for the distress caused by the incident. Their statement read, "We sincerely apologize for causing concern with this incident. Currently, A is in a difficult state and unable to participate directly in resolving the situation. Our internal team is handling the necessary responses step-by-step."
The scandal also drew attention because A had recently appeared on the MBC entertainment program "The Manager" in May 2025. The show features stars and their managers, and A represented comedian Shin Ki-ru during his appearance. This public exposure added a layer of irony, as A’s professional role was to manage talent, yet his private conduct contradicted the trust placed in him.
JDB Entertainment is home to numerous well-known comedians, including Kim Jun-ho, Kim Dae-hee, Yoo Min-sang, Kim Ji-min, Kim Min-kyung, Hong Yun-hwa, Kim Min-gi, Shin Ki-ru, Oh Na-mi, Hong In-gyu, Park So-young, Lee Jeong-in, Han Yoon-seo, and Kim Tae-won. The agency’s reputation has taken a hit as a result of the scandal, raising questions about leadership and oversight within the company.
Industry observers note that the fallout from this scandal could have lasting implications, not only for JDB Entertainment’s internal culture but also for the broader entertainment landscape, where personal conduct often intersects with public image and professional responsibility. The swift contract termination of B by EFG Music and her subsequent departure from the group underscore the harsh realities idols face when embroiled in controversies, regardless of their level of involvement or public exposure.
As the investigation and public discourse continue, the entertainment community watches closely to see how JDB Entertainment will rebuild trust with its artists, staff, and fans. The agency’s handling of this crisis may serve as a case study for other companies navigating the complex intersection of personal indiscretions and professional accountability.
For now, the resignation of A marks a significant turning point, signaling the agency’s acknowledgment of the severity of the situation and its commitment to moving forward with transparency and responsibility. While the full impact of the scandal remains to be seen, it is clear that the boundaries between private lives and public roles in the entertainment industry remain under intense scrutiny.
