K-pop Group Disbands and Agency Shuts Down Following CEO-Idol Affair Scandal
JDB Entertainment’s first girl group, IHOTEU, has officially disbanded just seven months after debut. The sudden dissolution of the group follows the withdrawal of member Mina, the termination of contracts for the remaining members Negi and Amu, and a scandal involving JDB CEO Mr. A.
On June 13, JDB’s subsidiary EFG Music announced through its official social media that Mina would cease all group activities immediately. Initially, the agency stated that the other two members would continue. However, within hours, they reversed course, terminating all exclusive contracts and effectively disbanding the group. EFG also canceled all scheduled live performances, with refunds processed via the Naver Reservation system.
IHOTEU debuted on October 19 as a three-member K-live idol group under the slogan “Voyage to Unknown,” symbolizing artistic risk and creative exploration. The group had been introduced with high expectations as EFG Music’s first artist, a subsidiary created by JDB Entertainment to diversify its entertainment offerings.
Just one day later, on June 14, EFG Music issued a follow-up statement confirming the complete disbandment, “After deep consideration of each member’s artistic direction and emotional safety, we’ve mutually decided to terminate all contracts. Mina graduated through internal discussions and has since deactivated her official activity accounts. Further discussions are unlikely, and we respect her decision.”
They added that the CEO was unable to participate in resolving the situation, and internal staff had taken over operations, leading to the temporary suspension of all EFG Music activities. The company’s future will be determined after internal review and legal consultation.
The situation intensified further when, on June 17, reports surfaced alleging an inappropriate relationship between JDB and EFG CEO Mr. A and idol member Ms. B, widely believed to be Mina. Images circulated on social media showing the two in intimate situations, along with claims that they remained alone together after company events. The scandal prompted Mr. A’s resignation from his executive positions, triggering an operational collapse at both companies.
In response, EFG Music canceled all live events and perks related to IHOTEU’s second album, initiating a refund process for fans. The agency requested that albums be returned cash-on-delivery along with personal details to process reimbursements efficiently.
Furthermore, EFG Music revealed it had initiated legal action against the individual who leaked the affair allegations, stating, “We are responding to stalking crimes. There will be no leniency or settlement.”
On June 17, EFG Music issued another official announcement, “All of IHOTEU’s scheduled activities have been permanently canceled. The company will temporarily suspend operations while determining its organizational future through internal audits and legal guidance. We understand the confusion and disappointment and sincerely apologize.”
As of now, EFG Music is undergoing closure procedures, and JDB Entertainment’s idol venture appears indefinitely suspended, with trust and credibility among fans deeply shaken by the scandal and sudden collapse.
