One Hundred Label chairman Cha Ga Won announces "White Knight" M&A talks with Orbit amid crisis, legal disputes, and artist exodus

One Hundred Label chairman Cha Ga Won issued an official statement regarding the company’s recent corporate developments and escalating legal disputes, as the label enters strategic merger and acquisition (M&A) discussions with marketing-tech firm Orbit.

On April 17, Cha Ga Won and One Hundred Label’s legal representative, attorney Hyun Dong Yeop, announced that Orbit has expressed its intention to act as a “white knight” for the embattled agency, which has recently faced what it describes as an illegal hostile takeover attempt by external forces. The two sides have now entered full-scale negotiations for a strategic M&A deal.

According to the statement, both parties aim to stabilize One Hundred Label’s management control while building a strong alliance to expand aggressively into global markets.

Orbit, an IP marketing company, reportedly proposed a differentiated business model through this acquisition, positioning K-pop intellectual property (IP) as a “global lifestyle brand.” The company also outlined a roadmap to prioritize resolving unpaid settlements to artists using capital secured through the M&A process.

Cha Ga Won’s legal representative further claimed that opposing parties attempted to destabilize management control using false information. “The court has already granted an injunction against The Fact’s false reporting,” the lawyer stated, adding that the company will pursue all legal measures, including damages claims reportedly worth around 100 billion KRW (about 75 million USD), in coordination with Orbit as a more stable strategic partner. He also asserted that evidence obtained during ongoing investigations will prove Cha Ga Won’s innocence and reveal alleged illegal collusion by opposing parties.

One Hundred Label emphasized that the M&A discussions with Orbit represent a firm commitment to protecting its artists and fans despite external pressure. “We will derive the best possible path toward normalization and global expansion, and establish a new order in the entertainment industry,” the company said.

Meanwhile, One Hundred Label, led by Cha Ga Won, has recently faced a wave of artist departures. Taemin ended his exclusive contract with Big Planet Made, a subsidiary under One Hundred Label, and later signed with Galaxy Corporation. Several artists formerly under the label, including The Boyz, EXO-CBX, and VIVIZ, have reportedly notified contract termination, citing alleged settlement issues and contract breaches.

In response, One Hundred Label told Newsen on April 6 that it is “making every effort to quickly normalize management operations and is continuously in discussions to resolve related matters amicably.”