In a shocking revelation, fans of K-pop group ONF have uncovered disturbing activities involving their agency, WM Entertainment, and touring agency J&B Entertainment.
The controversy, which erupted on July 4, centers around allegations of privacy breaches, album spoilers, and mistreatment of fans.
The scandal came to light when an anonymous X user posted screenshots from a private chat room, exposing egregious behavior by J&B Entertainment.
현재 공공연하게 논란이 되고 있는 투어 대행사 J&B의 “소수 인원에게만 혜택이 주어지는 운영 방식”을 포함한 여러 비정상적인 진행 내용, 그리고 이 모든걸 다 알고도 침묵하는 소속사 WM엔터테인먼트에 관한 내용을 공론화합니다. #온앤오프 #ONF #WM엔터테인먼트 #JNB #제이앤비엔터테인먼트
— . (@neugaebi136) July 4, 2024
"I am publicly disclosing the details of the controversial tour agency J&B, including their method of giving 'benefits to a small group of people', and WM Entertainment, for staying silent regardless of knowing all of this."
According to the screenshots, J&B Entertainment allegedly engaged in leaking ONF members' personal information, including schedules and hotel details, to select fans during tours.
Furthermore, the agency purportedly provided exclusive benefits and privileges to a small group of fans, causing uproar among the broader fanbase.
"The CEO showed off and used their power, making fans who were there purely to attend the next tour curious about many things."
The leaked chat transcripts depict J&B Entertainment's CEO flaunting their authority and allegedly abusing their position by divulging confidential details about ONF's upcoming activities.
"Afterwards, I heard stories that they had been leaking private schedules and hotel information about the members to selective fans during the tour back in March."
They also reportedly mocked fans and criticized the artists, all while promoting their close ties with WM Entertainment, which manages ONF.
"The tour agency CEO flaunted their power, comparing it to gaining a petty profit, and used things such as the members' autographed t-shirts to exploit the fans' pure hearts.
This makes us wonder if this was confirmed with the agency, as they are using their position as CEO as the only reason for being able to gift fans autographed t-shirts."
"They also prioritized the members in the chat, allowing them to purchase platinum and higher-tier tickets without any limits. They also opened a separate Google form for the ten people."
Moreover, fans accused J&B Entertainment of misleading practices during ticket sales for ONF's tours, including unfair allocation of premium tickets and allegedly refusing refunds in Korean Won, with no regard for international fans.
"They are also constantly fighting with fans on their official accounts. They also blocked and warned fans who made statements that aggravated them, threatening them that they wouldn't be able to see the group."
Read also: SM Under Fire for Putting NCT's Tracks on Different Idol's Album: 'Is This Supposed to Be a Joke'
The situation escalated when the X user attempted to report these activities to WM Entertainment, only to face intimidation and harassment in return.
Screenshots revealed threats of legal action and personal attacks against OP after their attempt to bring the misconduct to light internally.
"J&B's CEO flaunted their friendship with WM Entertainment's vice CEO and spoiled that the group would be making a full-length album comeback in October.
Although they can talk about their close friendship with the agency, we think it's crossing the line for giving spoilers for a full-length album."
"They continued by saying that they raised the group and that there's no profit left when a tour ends.
They also talked about how the members weren't good at English and frequently criticized the members."
In response to the allegations, neither WM Entertainment nor J&B Entertainment have issued an official statement addressing the controversy.
The silence from both parties has only intensified public outcry, with netizens expressing outrage over the exploitation of fans and the lack of accountability from the agencies involved.
"I quietly reported this situation to WM for fear that J&B would cause harm to others.
However, WM shared this email to J&B and started harassing me."
"This is not just about ticket sales; it's about fundamental ethics and respect," commented one netizen on Theqoo forum. "Leaking personal information and mocking fans is unacceptable behavior from any agency."
The incident has sparked widespread debate within the K-pop community, raising concerns about the treatment of idols and their fanbase by management agencies.
Fans of ONF continue to demand transparency and accountability from WM Entertainment and J&B Entertainment regarding the alleged misconduct.
KpopStarz owns this article.
Written by Cassidy Jones.
