The relationship between the management company and the artists under it is always a matter of concern for Kpop fans. In addition to the investment in "home chickens" during their activities, the treatment attitude of each company when the idols' contracts expire and decide to leave is also one of the points evaluated by netizens.

Agencies Who Have Conflicts With Their Former Idols

Most of the idols who leave are no longer connected with the old company. In particular, trademark copyright is always one of the "headache" issues for artists and many conflicts have occurred around it.

BEAST is one of the most regrettable cases for Kpop fans. At the time of the end of the contract, Cube Entertainment (BEAST's management company) quickly registered the trademark for the name "BEAST" with 3 products including "digital music, songs", " advertising" and "performance events" with a deadline until 2026.

This caused the group to leave but "lost everything", having to take a new name, HIGHLIGHT to continue their activities.

Although they still receive the support of a large number of fans, this is still a disadvantage because if they want to use music products composed when they were still called BEAST, the group will have to pay royalties for Cube and at the same time.

After all, the popularity of HIGHLIGHT can't be as bold as BEAST.

Having the same fate as HIGHLIGHT, artists who have left SM also have to struggle because the copyright of the group's name belongs to the company.

To reunite on a TV show stage after 17 years, the first generation boy group from SM was forced to use the name "High-five of Teenagers" instead of the stage name HOT because this name already belongs to SM.

Three former DBSK members Jaejoong, Yoochun, and Junsu also had to work under the new name JYJ when in the midst of litigation, SM quickly registered for exclusive rights to the DBSK trademark and other names of the group such as TVXQ. THSK without letting idols leave the company can be used.

Recently, fans are also extremely regretful when GFRIEND after disbanding will not be able to continue using the group's name because Source Music has registered the ownership rights since March 2015, after about 2 months since GFRIEND's debut .

Although they were luckier than other groups when after many rounds of disputes, the T-ara girls won and continued to use the group's name when they left the company.

But the legal battle for the named copyright with MBK Entertainment was also extremely long and took a lot of time and effort of the members.

Agencies Who Treated Their Former Idols Well

However, there are also lucky idols who don't have to get into legal conflicts with the company when they leave.

Although they often receive complaints when they don't really pay due attention to the idols working under their management, YG surprises with the way they treat "old people".

YG has implicitly allowed 2NE1 to reunite on the Coachella 2022 stage . The group was able to use the joint song as well as the group's name without being involved in a dispute about the idol's trademark copyright infringement, because YG responded that " will not take any legal action" against 2NE1 .

In particular, for each artist after leaving the company, YG gives back their own YouTube channels such as CL, PSY, EPIK HIGH, SE7EN and Lee Hi.

Even YG's artists still come and visit regularly contact with juniors, showing a good relationship between them and the company even though they have left the company.

Artists leaving the company still interact with juniors, Dara dances to I Love You with Seunghoon (WINNER)

Recently, GOT7 was surprised when it was the first group to leave JYP with the whole lineup, and also owned all of their copyrights and trademarks.

All copyrights including songs, works produced, recorded, distributed and performed… were transferred to 7 members on 12/5/2022.

It is known that, thanks to the change of Korean property law and the research efforts of leader Jay B, GOT7 has received the brand name copyright of the group.

At the same time, regarding this issue, JYP also showed a gentle attitude, accepting to return the name GOT7 to the members, not leading to lawsuits or disputes.

In addition, most of the artists who worked at JYP after leaving the company have positive comments. JYP has never been in a situation of being sued by an artist, and more importantly, many people still maintain a relationship with President Park Jin Young.

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IU has once again warmed hearts with her sweet and caring nature — this time by personally helping young actress Kim Tae Yeon get ready for her very first awards show.

The two actresses both played the same character, Ae Soon, in different stages of life in the Netflix drama "When Life Gives You Tangerines". IU played the adult version while Kim Tae Yeon touched viewers with her emotional performance as young Ae Soon.

Even though Kim Tae Yeon doesn’t have an agency yet, IU made sure the young star wouldn’t be alone. According to insiders, IU personally visited a dress shop with Kim Tae Yeon to help her pick out a beautiful outfit. She even helped with hair and makeup plans, making sure Tae Yeon could shine at the upcoming 61st Baeksang Arts Awards, where both actresses are nominated.

Kim Tae Yeon’s mom posted about the moment on Instagram, saying:

“Tae Yeon met IU unnie and told me to say thank you. Words aren’t enough to express how grateful we are. We were so surprised by her unexpected visit, and her thoughtful care truly touched our hearts. Thank you again to IU for the gift.”

The post also showed a happy Kim Tae Yeon holding IU’s present and choosing a dress — a moment that melted fans’ hearts.

IU is well-known in the industry for her generosity and kindness. While filming "You Have Done Well", she reportedly gave thoughtful gifts and created a warm, friendly vibe on set for everyone, from co-stars to staff.

The drama itself became a big hit, earning praise both in Korea and overseas. IU, Park Bo Gum, Yeom Hye Ran, Choi Dae Hoon, and Kim Tae Yeon all received Baeksang nominations — a huge achievement, especially for the young star.

Kim Tae Yeon, born in 2011, has been acting since she was little and appeared in dramas like Crash Landing on You, A Dog’s Love Today, and Gyeongseong Creature. But her powerful acting in "When Life Gives You Tangerines" truly made people cry, smile, and remember her name.

IU didn’t stop at helping Kim Tae Yeon. She also invited fellow cast members Moon So Ri, Park Hae Joon, Ahn Tae Rin, and more to her concert, sending them gifts to show her love and support.

In an earlier interview, IU talked about giving gifts to so many people. She humbly said,

“As I do more projects, there are more people I’m thankful for, but it’s not as hard as people think. I just hope the people receiving the gifts feel happy.”

Talking about the drama, she added,

“It was such a grand project. Just being part of it was a blessing. It made me think, ‘Ji Eun, you really experienced something amazing.’ I’m grateful I could work with such great people.”

Once again, IU has proved she’s not just a talented singer and actress — she’s also a true “Good Deed Queen.”

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