DR Music, the agency to Black Swan has released an official statement addressing the controversy that the group found itself wrapped in due to an allegation against member Hyeme for not paying off her debt to a male friend who had developed feelings for her.
On Nov. 9, Dispatch revealed that Hyeme of Black Swan was being sued for fraud after allegedly scamming an unidentified male office worker 'A' out of 50 million KRW (approximately $45,000 USD). The two were first acquainted with each other in 2018 after which in April of 2019, 'A' began lending money to Hyeme with the assurance that she would pay him back eventually. The man allegedly took care of monthly rent for the idol as well along with her credit card bills and living expenses. However, soon after, the idol changed her number and stopped all communication with 'A'.
On Nov. 10, DR Music released an official statement sharing the fact that the company intended to file a counter-suit against the individual 'A.' "We are very flustered by the sudden news that Hyeme is facing a lawsuit. We would like to first apologize for causing a public disturbance. However, after confirming with Hyeme, we have learned that many aspects of this issue has been greatly exaggerated since the first initial report. DR Music has hired a legal representative and intends on pursuing legal action against 'A' for defamation of character, spread of false and malicious rumors, threatening, and violation of sexual harassment laws. The individual will also face additional legal action for interference of business and false reporting, which not only damaged Hyeme's character but also inflicted damages on Black Swan's promotions."
The label added that Hyeme's contract with the company had ended as of Nov. 7. As such, the company is no longer affiliated with Hyeme. However, they would be representing Hyeme legally until the end of the issue.
On Nov. 12, DR Music released another statement regarding the issue.
The translated statement reads:
Hello. We are D.R Music Co. Inc.
First of all, I sincerely apologize for causing you concern about something unsavory. We all bowed our heads to apologize for not being thorough with Hyeme's management supervision, even though we have been somewhat clear about the company's position through the press release. As stated in the official press release, we will thoroughly deal with the legal action regarding this case regardless of Hyeme's contract or not through our lawyer in charge. We will also try to restore the tarnished image of everyone who is not involved in this incident at all but who has suffered a lot. Hyeme debuted in 2015 after being a trainee at our company for about three years since she was a freshman in high school, and she is the only 'Rania' member who shared an eventful moment with us until the end of her contract on Nov. 7. When preparing for Black Swan's album, Hyeme herself, the new members and the company staff agreed to end her career as a singer with the album 'Goodbye RANIA' and achieve her career. I started preparing for the album, thinking that Hyeme's will to return to the public in the future and live a normal life is the last consideration that the company can give to Hyeme, who has been struggling for the past eight years. The hidden meaning of the album name 'Goodbye RANIA' was that Hyeme and everyone who had been together under the name 'Rania' since 2011, but it's just a pity for the company that something unpleasant happened even before the album activity was over.
The truth of the case will be revealed in the court in the future. The company's common position and its staff is that they hope the tarnished image of everyone affected by this incident will be restored.
Lastly, I apologize to the fans who cheered for Rania once again, and I ask for your continued support and love for Black Swan members who are depressed due to unexpected events.
Thank you.
D. R. Music Dream Co., Ltd.
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Written By Ishani Sarkar.
