Written On: December 4, 2024
Last Updated: December 4, 2024
The Boyz, a popular K-pop group, is at the center of a heated dispute between their current agency, IST Entertainment, and their soon-to-be agency, One Hundred Label. The conflict revolves around trademark rights to “The Boyz” name and brand. Both agencies have publicly disagreed on the details, creating uncertainty about the group’s future activities.
According to entertainment outlet Ten Asia, One Hundred Label accused IST Entertainment of demanding “billions of won” to transfer the trademark rights to the group’s name and brand. The new agency claimed that the price was unreasonably high, hindering negotiations.
IST Entertainment, however, denied these accusations. In a statement, the company refuted claims of excessive demands, explaining that they had proposed a different arrangement. They mentioned that the individual members could continue using “The Boyz” name for their activities, whether as a group or solo, but they would not transfer ownership of the trademark to the new agency.
IST Entertainment stated in its press release, “The claim that we demanded an excessive amount for the trademark rights is false.” “We have made efforts to support all 11 members in their new journey. For instance, we terminated one member’s contract six months early to ensure a smoother transition.”
One Hundred Label’s Response
One Hundred Label, which is set to represent The Boyz starting later this month, has stood firm on its position. The agency argued that IST Entertainment’s approach makes it difficult for the group to fully continue their activities under the same name. They also revealed their willingness to continue negotiations until Thursday, when The Boyz’s contracts with IST Entertainment officially end.
“If the negotiation fails, we will ensure the members can continue creating music under a new and better brand name,” One Hundred Label said in its statement.
This situation is unusual in the K-pop industry, where it’s rare for all members of a group to switch agencies together. Last month, One Hundred Label announced that all 11 members of The Boyz would be joining their agency as a group once their contracts with IST Entertainment expire.
The Boyz: A Look Back
The Boyz debuted in 2017 with their first EP, The First. The group is known for its 11 talented members: Sangyeon, Jacob, Younghoon, Hyunjae, Juyeon, Kevin, New, Q, Ju Haknyeon, Sunwoo, and Eric. Over the years, they have built a strong fanbase through their music and performances.
The group gained significant attention after winning Mnet’s music competition show Road to Kingdom in 2020. Their discography includes hits like “Thrill Ride” (2021), “Whisper” (2022), and “Watch It” (2023).
What’s Next?
With both agencies standing their ground, fans are left wondering how the situation will unfold. While One Hundred Label is determined to move forward, the final decision may influence the group’s identity and branding.
As the Thursday deadline approaches, the focus remains on whether the agencies can reach a fair agreement. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear: The Boyz will continue their journey, albeit possibly under a new name. Fans worldwide are watching closely, hoping for a smooth resolution.
Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.
