Small-midsize agencies express growing dissatisfaction over HYBE and MBC ending their 4-year dispute

After HYBE and MBC ended their 4-year dispute, there has been growing dissatisfaction from various quarters. While the agreement was initially presented as a measure to "protect artists," it has faced criticism for being perceived as primarily benefiting HYBE and not addressing a broader scope of concerns.

On the 6th of the previous month, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed at HYBE headquarters in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, with the participation of Park Ji Won, the CEO of HYBE, and Ahn Hyung Jun, the president of MBC. The purpose of this MOU was to establish a healthier environment for broadcast production and to enhance the artists' rights.

Both companies agreed to collaborate in promoting mutual growth within the Korean music industry and the broadcast content market. Specifically, they committed to jointly creating an advanced broadcast content production environment that prioritizes safety and artists' overall well-being, including physical and mental health. Furthermore, they pledged to work towards improving the public perception of the entertainment industry by showing respect for industry professionals.

This resolution of conflicts between the two companies has been seen as a positive development within the industry. It is expected that long-standing issues, such as the coercion of artists to appear on programs and award ceremonies, unilateral demands for changes in production schedules, and one-sided restrictions on appearances without mutual agreement, will be addressed.

However, since the two companies' collaboration, complaints have been that "small planning agencies and lesser-known idols have even fewer opportunities now." 

One manager expressed dissatisfaction, stating, "Getting slots on music broadcasts has become even more challenging. They seem to prioritize artists from HYBE, reducing opportunities for others."

Another manager, B, pointed out, "Securing a spot on music broadcasts is like trying to pick stars from the sky." They emphasized the importance of music broadcasts for rookie singers and idols with low recognition and expressed concerns about broadcasters favoring major planning agencies, which has become a setback for idols from smaller agencies.

While HYBE's goal is to resolve conflicts with MBC, their intention goes beyond appearances by affiliated artists. They emphasize that their ultimate aim is the "advancement of the K-pop ecosystem." They hope that this collaboration marks the beginning of a positive relationship between entertainment companies that are innovating the music industry and broadcasters who spread the influence of music globally.

Given the unexpected consequences, there are doubts about whether MBC's initial intentions in partnering with HYBE were purely driven by good intentions. Manager C commented, "As HYBE absorbed multiple labels and gained key artists like BTS, NewJeans, LE SSERAFIM, and Seventeen, MBC may have felt compelled to align with them. While Bang Si Hyuk, the chairman, expressed intentions to advance K-pop, it appears that MBC may have prioritized its own profits over the development of the K-pop market."

Ahn Hyung Jun, the president of MBC, had promised the "unlimited expansion of K-pop and K-content boundaries" when forming a partnership with HYBE. To achieve this limitless expansion, respect for all involved parties based on fair standards rather than relationships and profitability, should serve as the foundation.

Despite the opinions of other entertainment officials, netizens are taking a different stance.

They commented in a popular online community, "Why are they blaming this on HYBE?" "Have a conscience... Who are you blaming?" "What're they saying?" "Weren't other music shows always like this? It's not that HYBE took their spots, they were mistreated before so they stopped appearing on the show but now their relationship is back to normal," "So do they expect HYBE artists to give up their spots on the music show even if they make a comeback? HYBE had no issues with other music programs but only with MBC so they stopped appearing on the show but now they're just back," "It's the agency's job to get a spot on the show though," and "HYBE just restored their original spots though."