Yuju, WeDemBoyz, Chancellor Leave Konnect Amidst “Internal Disturbance With Kang Daniel”
Singer Kang Daniel filed a criminal complaint against the major shareholder of his agency Konnect Entertainment. Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that other artists have already left the agency
According to Star News on May 21st, former GFriend member Yuju ended her exclusive contract with Konnect Entertainment in mid-April. She chose not to renew her contract, becoming a free agent in the entertainment industry. The dance team WeDemBoyz also confirmed their intention to end their exclusive contract with Konnect Entertainment in late November last year and proceeded with the separation process. Additionally, singer-producer Chancellor is also said to have left Konnect Entertainment.
Konnect Entertainment was established by Kang Daniel in 2019. However, on May 20th, Kang Daniel filed a criminal complaint against the major shareholder “A” for charges including forgery of private documents, embezzlement, breach of trust, information and communication network intrusion and fraud in the use of computers, etc. This internal strife appears to have led other artists to naturally conclude their contracts and part ways with the agency.
Kang Daniel’s legal representative Law Firm Wooree (Attorney Park Sung-woo) announced that the criminal complaint was filed with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. The issue centers around a 10 billion won prepayment distribution contract that was signed without Kang Daniel’s approval in December 2022. A is also accused of illegally transferring at least 2 billion won from the agency’s account overseas. A is known to hold about 70% of Konnect Entertainment’s shares, making them the actual owner, while Kang Daniel has been serving as the CEO.
Law Firm Wooree stated, “For over the past five years, our client has been protecting the company as both CEO and artist. To minimize damage to affiliated artists, employees and third-party contractors who have trusted and followed him like family, he made considerable efforts for over a year before proceeding with the criminal complaint. However, he ultimately decided that there was no other solution than to hold that person legally accountable, and thus proceeded with the complaint with a heavy heart.“
Kang Daniel’s exclusive contract with Konnect Entertainment is set to expire in early June, and he is expected to step down from his position as CEO of the agency.
