Over the years, YG Entertainment has faced significant criticism for its handling of artists, often drawing ire for infrequent comebacks and long periods of inactivity.
This scrutiny intensified with the treatment of a talented male rapper known as ONE, whose journey with YG epitomizes the frustrations many artists face within the industry.
ONE's Background and Entry into YG
Born Jung Jae-won on March 29, 1994, ONE's career trajectory took a pivotal turn when he participated in the survival hip-hop program "Show Me the Money 4." Prior to this, he was part of the hip-hop group 1PUNCH alongside Kim Samuel.
It was during this program that ONE's exceptional rap skills and stage presence caught the eye of YG's representatives, leading to a swift contract negotiation and his entry into YG Entertainment.
Missed Opportunities and Limited Releases
Initially slated to debut with the group WINNER, ONE eventually became YG's first solo male artist in over a decade.
However, despite high expectations, his musical output was disappointingly sparse. During his two-year tenure with the company, ONE managed to release only a single album comprising two songs before his activities came to a standstill.
Transition to Acting and Departure from YG
Adding to the frustration of fans, when ONE did return, it was not with new music but a shift towards acting. This deviation from his musical career path left many questioning YG's management decisions.
In July 2019, after enduring a period of limited creative freedom and artistic expression, ONE made the decision to part ways with YG and establish his own label.
ONE's Candid Reflections on YG Experience
In a candid revelation, ONE opened up about the challenges he faced under YG's management. He expressed feeling suffocated by the pressure to conform to an idol image that didn't align with his true self.
From producing songs that didn't reflect his style to being forced into a fashion persona, ONE's experience highlighted the tensions between artistic authenticity and industry expectations.
ONE's departure from YG also sparked discussions about the nature of artist development. He emphasized that true artists cannot be "made" through training alone, advocating for creative freedom as essential for genuine artistic expression.
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Written by Cassidy Jones.
