ONE HUNDRED LABEL Crisis Leaves Multiple K-Pop Acts in Legal Limbo Over ₩5 Billion Unpaid Settlements

ONE HUNDRED LABEL is facing mounting legal and financial pressure after multiple high-profile artists under its roster reported significant unpaid settlements, raising questions about the label's operational stability. In January, reports surfaced alleging that EXO-CBX, Taemin, and THE BOYZ are collectively owed over ₩5.00 billion KRW (approximately $3.39 million USD) in unpaid payments from the company. The disclosure marked one of the more substantial financial disputes to hit a major Korean entertainment label in recent years.

The situation escalated when nine members of THE BOYZ secured injunctions suspending their exclusive contracts with ONE HUNDRED LABEL, effectively placing the group in a contractual gray area. Such legal moves by performers are typically a last resort when trust in a management company's financial or operational stability collapses. The injunctions leave the group without formal company support during an active period, despite technically remaining under contract. Sources close to the matter indicated that the unpaid settlements relate to earnings, promotional costs, and other contractual obligations the label allegedly failed to fulfill.

The fallout places ONE HUNDRED LABEL under heightened scrutiny from industry observers, talent agencies, and investors monitoring the K-pop market. Artists left without guaranteed company backing face career uncertainty, while the label's ability to retain or recruit talent has been severely compromised. Industry insiders warn that prolonged disputes of this scale could discourage other performers from signing with the label and may invite regulatory attention regarding payment practices in entertainment contracts. The crisis has not yet resulted in confirmed disbandments, but the structural damage to affected groups' schedules, promotional activities, and member morale remains a pressing concern.