SHINee’s ace Taemin has officially terminated his exclusive contract with Big Planet Made Entertainment, marking a sudden end to a partnership that lasted just under two years.
Reports confirmed on February 24 that the artist strongly requested the termination despite having time remaining on his agreement. The split was reportedly finalized by mutual agreement, concluding a relationship that began in March 2024 after his departure from SM Entertainment.
The Reason Behind the Split
While the agency publicly cited a ‘mutual agreement,’ industry insiders suggest the separation was driven by serious financial and procedural breaches. Cha Ga Won, the CEO of the agency, reportedly faced little choice but to accept Taemin’s request after allegations surfaced regarding unpaid settlements amounting to significant sums. Furthermore, reports claim that the agency entered into contracts with external companies involving Taemin without obtaining his consent, a major violation of standard artist rights.
A Wider Financial Crisis
The controversy appears to be the tip of the iceberg for the parent company, One Hundred, co-founded by Cha Ga Won and MC Mong. Reports indicate that the conglomerate, which includes subsidiaries Big Planet Made and INB100, is facing severe capital impairment.
Shockingly, the combined entities are said to hold over 100 billion KRW (approx. $75–80 million USD) in unpaid debts to external partners. This financial instability has reportedly affected other major artists under the corporate umbrella. Allegations of delayed payments extend to Lee Seung Gi, The Boyz (under One Hundred), and EXO’s Baekhyun (under INB100), raising serious concerns about the agency’s ability to support its star-studded roster moving forward.
