Many consider K-Pop’s third generation to be one of the most iconic, as it saw the debut of groups like BTS, EXO, and many others that helped expand the genre worldwide.
One group that would definitely be mentioned in the conversation is B.A.P, which debuted in 2012 under TS Entertainment. The group’s all-blond look and tough debut with “Warrior” attracted much attention and set them on a path of popularity.
In 2014, the group won its first music show, embarked on a world tour, and topped the Billboard World Album Chart.
However, the same year, the group filed a lawsuit that exposed the treatment they received under the company, which is now regarded as one of the worst.
It was first reported on November 26, 2014, that B.A.P. had filed a lawsuit against TS Entertainment to terminate their contract, citing unfair treatment. This came after the health-related cancellation of B.A.P’s South American tour, something that would be brought up later as details of their contracts were revealed.
[★BREAKING] B.A.P files lawsuit against TS Entertainment for contract nullification
Following the lawsuit announcement, it was reported that TS Entertainment’s profit had increased by ₩10.0 billion KRW (about $7.25 million USD) during B.A.P’s three years of promotions. Despite this increase, the six members received less ₩18.0 million KRW (about $13,100 USD) each.
Dispatch later held a Q&A session with B.A.P’s side, which exposed the terms of the “slave-contracts” the group were under, including that album earnings were divided 1 (B.A.P):9 (company) and the group’s contract was seven-years from their first album release rather than the signing date.
The group’s payment ratio was to be updated to 2:8 after the release of their first full album, likely the reason why they released 11 in total before this happened.
In addition to the allegations that TS Entertainment did not follow the contract terms when calculating other profits like those made for concerts, many were shocked to learn of the pressure placed on the members and their families. It was claimed that burden of any hospital visits and many other necessities were placed on the members’ families.
The members were also pressured to perform past their body’s limits, with the group performing over 50 concerts without taking a break.
In some of the most shocking details revealed, B.A.P’s side stated that on at least one occasion TS Entertainment forced members out of the hospital and straight to performances. Fans pieced together that one of these incidents involved Daehyun, spotting a bandaid meant for an I.V drip on his wrist while he performed at the 2013 Changwon K-Pop World Festival.
TS Entertainment initially countered these claims, but promised it would create “a better environment” for the group when it was announced that they would return a year later.
The group would return to promotions for the next few years, but their popularity suffered from the hiatus. Yongguk and Zelo were the first to leave the company with the expiration of their contracts in 2018, while the other members would depart the following February.
Each member embarked on various solo projects, though Himchan’s multiple sex offenses would result in his departure from the group.
On June 11, MA Entertainment shared a preview of a documentary titled “Man on the moon.”
The clip showed the currently active members (Zelo is currently enlisted), seated in a dark room and emotional before ending with the message “Again together with B.A.B.Y.” The video hints that the group will make a comeback, their first in over six years.
The group’s return after everything they went through under TS Entertainment is a real testament to their “Warrior” status!
Unfortunately, TS Entertainment did not officially shut down until 2021, and faced legal action from several artists, which you can read more about below.
TRCNG’s Wooyeop And Taeseon Sues TS Entertainment For Child Abuse, Assault, And Extortion
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