SPIRE Entertainment (스파이어엔터테인먼트) is a South Korean record label and entertainment agency.
History[]
2021–2022: OMEGA X's debut[]
OMEGA X made their debut on June 30, 2021 with the mini album Vamos. The group is made of former survival program contestants and boy group members.[2]
2023: Alleged rebranding[]
On July 7, 2023, K-Pop fans have now discovered that SPIRE Entertainment might be trying to make a return to the entertainment industry after undergoing some rebranding, warning each other against supporting a new company called FROM Entertainment. The company was noticed posting job listings on a popular Korean job searching site and categorized itself as an entertainment agency. Under the corporate information, the company shows Hwang Sung-woo listed as the CEO.[3][4]
Controversy[]
Allegations of abuse[]
On October 23, 2022, several OMEGA X's fans claimed that the group was verbally and physically abused multiple times during their 2022 OMEGA X World Tour 'Connect :Don't Give Up'.[5] SPIRE Entertainment posted a statement explaining that an argument between the members and the agency arose but all their misunderstandings has since then been resolved.[6] However, on a video released by SBS on October 25, a woman, allegedly CEO/director Kang, was shown screaming at member Jaehan, even after he said he was on the verge of passing out, probably due to a panic attack. The abuse kept going in the hotel. The director was allegedly stopped by hotel security guards for making a scene and knocking on the members' room's door. The local police was also reportedly dispatched twice. According to SBS, the staff went back to South Korea through the scheduled flight, leaving the members with one manager in Los Angeles' airport. SPIRE Entertainment stated that they had been discussing the flight cancellation for three days as the members could be on board with fans and that they have not stranded them in the United States. Nonetheless, it was reported that the members had to buy their flight back with their own money and with the financial support of their parents.[7][8][9] They eventually arrived in South Korea on the 25th.[10]
On November 6, the OMEGA X's members opened a new Instagram account, unaffiliated with their agency, thanking their fans for their support. They also explained that it took them time to speak up as they had to be cautious after their agency made them sign an agreement "under pressure" stating that they would have to take "civil and criminal legal responsibility" if they posted on social media without the agency's permission.[11] SPIRE released a statement on November 7, apologizing for their inadequate response, announcing that the CEO responsible had resigned and that they take the full responsibility.[12]
On November 11, SBS released a new video and alleged chat logs. In the article, they further explained CEO Kang's power trip, gas lighting and abuse, which existed prior to the world tour. She would call at dawn to talk for an hour or two and getting furious when the members would not answer her messages. There was also reports of unwanted physical contact. During the world tour, it was also reported that four members tested positive for COVID-19 through self-test kits on September 28 but were forced to practice and pushed to take part in the show despite high fever. Two of them eventually did not go on stage. It is uncertain if the members who tested positive followed Chile's 7-day quarantine guideline at the time. CEO Hwang, who was revealed to be CEO Kang's husband, is also accused of abusive language and neglect. Four group members are allegedly receiving treatment for panic disorder, anxiety, and insomnia. On November 10, SPIRE Entertainment reportedly asked the 11 members to pay 300 to 400 million won (approximately $230,000 to $300,000) per person as settlement fees. When the agency was contacted by SBS, they simply answered that the company had already officially apologized and the CEO had resigned, although they had not given a statement regarding the COVID-19 claims or settlement fees.[13][14][15][16][17][18]
On November 14, OMEGA X announced they will host a press conference with their legal representatives, S Law Firm's lawyers Noh Jong-eon and Seo Ju-yeon, on November 16 to explain the current situation and future direction.[19][20] According to the trademark registration inquiry of the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the group, through S Law Firm, applied for the trademark of "OMEGA X", "오메가엑스", "FOR X" as well as "PROTECT OMEGA X" that same day.[21][22]
During the press conference on November 16, the OMEGA X's members claimed that they were verbally and physically abused as well as sexually harassed and that they have evidence to prove their claims, including photos, videos, and voice recordings. CEO Kang would force the members to drink alcool and would be verbally inappropriate with them and touch them without their consent. She would then gaslight them by saying she would kill them or herself, and threatens them with their impending mandatory military services or by saying there would be no new album. When member Hangyeom talked about having a panic attack to her, she mocked him and threatens him to fire him from the group. When referring to a moment witnessed by a fan in October, member Yechan explained that the 11 members locked themselves inside a hotel room and hid from Kang, whom yelled and kicked on doors multiple times. Lawyer Seo explained that CEO Kang and CEO Hwang would switch between being kind to the members and abusing them later. They explained that it is an industry-wide issue but decided to endure it as it is their dream to be a singer and perform on stage, moreover, it is their second debut. The group will be pressing charges against Kang for physical assault, threatening behavior, sexual harassment and financial exploitation and plans to receive compensation from Hwang and to hold him criminally liable for aiding and abetting Kang. The group plans to stay together and keeps being active.[23][24] Following the press conference, SKIYAKI, who holds the license for OMEGA X's activities in Japan, has decided to terminate their exclusive contract with SPIRE due to serious compliance violation from the agency.[25]
On November 18, it was announced that the first official court date for the injunction to suspend the validity OMEGA X's exclusive contract will be held on December 7.[26]
On November 23, JTBC reported that SPIRE Entertainment is preparing to launch a new boy group and that former CEO Kang in involved in the trainees management. She previously met the trainees secretly in a meat restaurant near the agency.[27]
On December 2, Sports Kyunghyang revealed that SPIRE Entertainment unilaterally changed the OMEGA X members' passwords to access their official fancafe. It was reported that the accounts used by the members on the fancafe are also their personal accounts, thus making them unable to access their own accounts. The agency responded that it was due to a change in the staff member and was only a temporary measure for security purpose. They claimed that each member has since then been issued a new password and are now able to access the fancafe.[28]
During the first interrogation by the court for the suspension of the exclusive contract held on December 7, SPIRE Entertainment did not deny the abusive language and profanity submitted by OMEGA X but stated that the sexual harassment claims are groundless. The members revealed that they did not receive any settlement from their agency since August 2021 safe for a down payment of 3 million won (approximately $2280). SPIRE argued that the group has yet to generate profits from their last album and the tour has not yet been settled. Both parties also disagree on the reasons for the group's flight cancellation. SPIRE legal team stated that OMEGA X claims of lost trust and the broken relationship with the agency resulting from abuse language and assaults are not enough reason to terminate their contracts.[29] Both OMEGA X members and SPIRE decided to submit additional data by the 14 and 21 respectively.[30]
On January 11, 2023, it was announced that OMEGA X had won their lawsuit to suspend the validity of their exclusive contracts.[31] SPIRE filed an objection to the ruling which was accepted by the court.[32]
On May 8, OMEGA X announced on their Instagram post that, after deep discussion with SPIRE Entertainment, both mutually agreed to end their exclusive contract and all other disputes.[33] It was later confirmed that the group now owns the copyrights related to their activities, and future SNS accounts including the fancafe will be owned and managed by OMEGA X.[34]
On August 21, IPQ, OMEGA X's new agency, released a statement denying allegations made on OMEGA X by YouTuber Inji Woong and announced legal response against both Inji Wong and SPIRE Entertainment for defamation, as well as legal action against SPIRE for breach of contract, mental and physical abuse against OMEGA X members.[35] Lawyer Noh Jong-eon, the group's legal representative, stated on August 28 that they filed a lawsuit against SPIRE for sexual harrasment and that they plan to hold a press conference.[36] By August 29, IPQ had filed criminal complaint for defamation and obstruction of business against YouTuber Inji Woong; is currently filing civil and criminal complaints for defamation, business interference, sexual and emotional abuse against SPIRE Entertainment in response to SPIRE's breach of the settlement's terms; and is planing to file civil and criminal complaints against all domestic and international posts and comments that are spreading, enlarging and reproducing false allegations and videos made by Inji Woong.[37] Meanwhile, member Yechan's father also filed a complaint against the YouTuber for spreading a false information.[38]
On January 4, 2024, the court deemed that OMEGA X's claims of physical abuse and sexual harassment by their former agency and CEO are true.[39]
On March 19, IPQ announced that former SPIRE Entertainment CEO Kang Sung-hee will receive sentencing for assaulting member Jaehan in the group's hotel in Los Angeles back in October 22, 2022. They added that their lawsuit for business interference was dismissed but they keep investigating Kang for sexual misconduct, abuse of power, defamation, spreading falsehood and business interference.[40]
That same day, SPIRE Entertainment held a press conference showing CCTV footage claiming that former CEO Kang Sung-hee was touched inappropriately by member Hwichan on July 11, 2022. On March 20, IPQ released a statement refuting the claims, showcasing text messages screenshots exposing drinking parties forced on the OMEGA X's members by the high-ranking executives, including former CEOs Kang Sung-hee and Hwang Sung-woo, continuous verbal abuse and physical assault, gaslighting, demands for affectionate expressions and physical contact, and coercive attitudes toward the members that happened on that day. Additionally, IPQ asked SPIRE to disclose all CCTV footage from the day and the day following the incident without editing in order to grasp the full context of the incident.[41]
On April 1, IPQ announced that the Korean Commercial Arbitrary Board acknowledged that former SPIRE Entertainment CEO Kang Sung-hee had commited assault, verbal abuse, molestation, and intimidation, resulting in the violation of the "obligation to guarantee personal rights" by SPIRE Entertainment and subsequently the termination of contract. Additionally, the court recognized mental damages suffered by the OMEGA X members. Other lawsuits against Kang Sung-hee, Hwang Sung-woo and YouTuber Inji Woong are still under investigation by the prosecutor's office and the police.[42]
On May 22, it was announced that the Hyehwa Police Station in Seoul forwarded former director Kang Sung-hee to the prosecution without detention on May 7. IPQ also announced that the tampering charges previously raised by SPIRE have been acquitted.[43]
Former artists[]
Groups[]
References[]
- ↑ KISReport: SPIRE Entertainment
- ↑ Soompi: OMEGA X, A New Group Of 11 Members From Disbanded Groups + Survival Shows Reveals Debut Date + 1st Teasers
- ↑ Koreaboo: K-Pop Fans Get Vigilant Amidst The Alleged Rebranding Of OMEGA X’s Former Agency Spire Entertainment
- ↑ JobKorea (KR): FROM Entertainment
- ↑ Soompi: OMEGA X’s Agency Responds To Allegations Of CEO Being Violent Towards Members
- ↑ Soompi: OMEGA X’s Agency Releases Official Apology Regarding Allegations Of CEO’s Violence Against Members
- ↑ (KR) SBS: [단독] 오메가엑스, 사비로 귀국길 올랐다..."LA 현지서 경찰 2차례 출동"
- ↑ SBS: [SBS Star] VIDEO: Agency CEO Spotted Assaulting OMEGA X Members
- ↑ SBS: [SBS Star] One OMEGA X Fan Witnesses Agency CEO Assaulting the Group's Members
- ↑ (KR) SBS: 팬들은 울고 멤버들은 고개를 숙였다...오메가엑스, 갑질 피해 논란 속 입국
- ↑ Soompi: OMEGA X Releases Group Statement On Their CEO’s Abuse + Opens New Instagram Account Unattached To Agency
- ↑ Soompi: OMEGA X’s Agency Apologizes For Controversy + Announces CEO Has Resigned
- ↑ (KR) SBS: [단독] 오메가엑스 "죽을 만큼 힘들었다"...또 드러난 갑질 의혹
- ↑ (KR) YTN: [Y초점] "오메가엑스 소속사 대표 사퇴? 문제의 본질 해결된 것 아냐"
- ↑ (KR) Insight: 코로나 걸린 아이돌 멤버 강제로 '공연' 내보내려 한 소속사 대표
- ↑ (KR) SBS: "욕설, 갑질, 성추행"…회사 묵인에 아이돌 폭로 터졌다
- ↑ (KR) SBS: [D리포트] "욕설·갑질·성추행 다반사, 협박까지"…아이돌 그룹 폭로
- ↑ Soompi: OMEGA X’s Agency Briefly Responds To Further Allegations Of CEO’s Abuse Against Members
- ↑ (KR) Sportsworldi: [단독] 오메가엑스 멤버들 직접 입장 밝힌다…16일 기자회견
- ↑ Soompi: OMEGA X To Hold Press Conference Regarding Former CEO’s Abuse Allegations
- ↑ (KR) Top Star News: 오메가엑스, 대표 사퇴일에 상표권 신청…새 시작 준비
- ↑ (KR) X Sports News: "오메가엑스 꼭 지켜낼게요"…상표권 신청→긴급 기자회견 [엑's 이슈]
- ↑ Korea JongAng Daily: Omega X sheds light on harrowing claims of abuse, says it is an industry-wide issue
- ↑ Soompi: OMEGA X Announces Strong Legal Action After Detailing Abuse Allegations Against Their Agency And Former CEO
- ↑ @OmegaX_JAPAN on Twitter: 今後のOMEGA X JAPAN OFFICIAL SITEの運営に関するお知らせ (November 16, 2022)
- ↑ (KR) SBS오메가엑스, 내달 7일 가처분 소송 첫 기일..."멤버들도 참석"
- ↑ (KR) JTBC: 말뿐인 사퇴일까… 오메가엑스 소속사 대표의 아이러니
- ↑ Soompi: OMEGA X’s Agency Responds To Reports That They Cut Off Members’ Access To Fancafe + Changed Their Personal Passwords
- ↑ (KR) Naver: 오메가엑스 “폭언·폭행 신뢰 파탄”...소속사 “계약해지 사유 아냐”[종합]
- ↑ (KR) TV Daily: “잘못 인정하지만 시정했다”…오메가엑스vs소속사 팽팽 [TD현장 종합]
- ↑ Soompi: OMEGA X Announces They Have Won Lawsuit Against Their Agency
- ↑ (KR) JTBC: 오메가엑스, 활동 재개했지만 난관 봉착..사비로 활동비 마련
- ↑ 33.0 33.1 Soompi: OMEGA X Terminates Exclusive Contract With SPIRE Entertainment
- ↑ (KR) Naver: 오메가엑스는 왜 법적 분쟁을 종결했나
- ↑ @IPQ_Inc on Twitter (August 21, 2023)
- ↑ (KR) Naver: [단독]'피프티 불똥' 오메가엑스, 전 소속사 대표 성추행 혐의 고소
- ↑ @IPQ_Inc on Twitter (August 29, 2023)
- ↑ (KR) Sports World: [단독] 오메가엑스 예찬 父, 유튜버 인지웅 허위사실 유포로 고소
- ↑ (KR) Sports Kyunghyang: [단독]오메가엑스 향한 ‘성추행·폭행’ 법원은 ‘사실’로 봤다
- ↑ @IPQ_Inc on Twitter (March 19, 2024)
- ↑ Soompi: OMEGA X’s Agency Refutes Claims About Member Made By SPIRE Entertainment
- ↑ Soompi: OMEGA X's Agency Shares Update On Lawsuit Against SPIRE Entertainment + Future Actions
- ↑ Soompi: OMEGA X's Former Agency Director Forwarded To Prosecution + Current Agency Releases Statement