The company has not been paying vendors.
32 minutes ago
The agency behind rookie girl group VVUP has been hit with multiple lawsuits after staff members accused the company of failing to pay nearly ₩1.00 billion KRW (about $663,000 USD) in production fees related to the group’s albums, music videos, styling, and choreography.
According to reports, EgoENT and one of its executives are currently facing several civil lawsuits filed by individuals who worked on VVUP’s projects. A creative director and stylist reportedly filed a lawsuit seeking a combined ₩514 million KRW (about $341,000 USD) in unpaid service fees, while a music video producer separately filed a claim for ₩155 million KRW (about $103,000 USD). Additional allegations have since surfaced from other staff members who claim they were never compensated for their work.
One choreographer alleged that they created choreography for two VVUP songs and are still owed ₩30.0 million KRW (about $19,900 USD). The choreographer claimed they personally covered costs related to overseas travel, on-site directing, lessons, and revisions before communication from the company allegedly ceased in March. Another producer responsible for overseeing the group’s “Supermodel” music video claimed they personally advanced production costs in Vietnam and are still owed approximately ₩250 million KRW (about $166,000 USD).
A stylist involved with the group also alleged significant financial losses, claiming they are owed approximately ₩177 million KRW (about $118,000 USD), including unpaid clothing purchases, alteration fees, laundry expenses, and other styling-related costs. Combined, the alleged unpaid balances from various parties reportedly total around ₩970 million KRW (about $644,000 USD).
The controversy has intensified due to claims that the company repeatedly promised repayment but failed to follow through. One plaintiff reportedly obtained a written agreement from a company executive guaranteeing repayment of more than ₩336 million KRW (about $223,000 USD) by January 2026. The agreement allegedly included provisions for penalty payments and maximum legal interest if the debt was not settled on time. However, the plaintiffs claim the promised payments never arrived.
Some of those involved further alleged that despite the outstanding debts, the company continued pursuing outside investment opportunities and promotional activities. Several expressed frustration that VVUP and the agency were still attending overseas events and receiving awards while production staff remained unpaid.
In response to the allegations, the executive at the center of the dispute denied any intention to avoid payment. He stated that the company had hoped to negotiate the amounts directly with the parties involved but was instead instructed to communicate through legal representatives. According to him, both sides are currently attempting to resolve the matter through their respective lawyers.
The lawsuits remain ongoing, and no final court ruling has been issued regarding the claims.