Meenoi “I Experienced Embezzlement and Breach of Trust, Even AOMG’s CEO Supports Me”
On February 15, Meenoi released her new mini-album “2.5 VIBES” on major online music platforms. The album consists of five tracks, with double title songs “Hair Loss” and “Trapped”, along with “No.2”, “NEEDS” and “X cat”.
Notably, Meenoi uses lyrics to express her thoughts on the recent controversy. She revealed to Star News that she wanted to convey her feelings through four out of the five tracks, excluding “No.2”.
Some of the lyrics include, “I wouldn’t sell out for 50 million won, that’s just common sense” (NEEDS), “They bought snacks with the money they made off my name, but I won’t eat them. If they start smelling bad, I won’t touch them” (Hair Loss), “I’m right in front, but I keep hearing noises from behind. When I listen closely, I hear the sound of someone cracking pumpkin seeds. I gave three chances, then added two more” (Trapped)…
Regarding the controversy, Meenoi stated “Issues like shuking (a slang term for embezzlement) and breach of trust are common in the industry, and I personally experienced them”, explaining that her album reflects these experiences.
When asked about her conflict with AOMG, she clarified, “Rather than saying we reconciled, I initially tried to work things out with the new CEO. I even asked for approval for this album through A&R and showed them the music video, but the response was delayed. Later, I was told that I would have to release the album independently, outside the company.”
At the time, AOMG’s former CEO, DJ Pumkin (Kim Soo-hyuk), stepped down, coinciding with Meenoi’s “no-show” controversy, leading to speculation that the two were related. However, AOMG stated, “His resignation has no connection to this issue. He submitted his resignation in January 2024, and his term was set to end on March 25. His successor, Yoo Deok-gon, was appointed on February 23.”
Earlier, in February 2024, Meenoi drew attention with an emotional live broadcast, and it was later revealed that she abruptly canceled a cosmetics commercial shoot for Company P just two hours before filming. AOMG explained, “The issue arose from differing understandings between the company and the artist regarding authorization for signing the contract.” However, Meenoi refuted this, claiming, “I wasn’t aware of the contract details, and a fake stamp was used on the agreement.”
Reflecting on her departure from AOMG, Meenoi shared that the CEO supported her decision. She plans to continue her career independently and focus on music.