Taemin parts ways with Cha Ga Won company amid settlement controversy

Taemin has terminated his exclusive contract with Big Planet Made Entertainment, a company led by Cha Ga Won.

According to reports on February 24, Taemin recently ended his contract with Big Planet Made Entertainment. Although time remained on the agreement, Taemin strongly requested termination, and the two sides concluded their partnership after approximately one year and 10 months without major legal dispute.

Industry insiders say Cha Ga Won had little choice but to accept the request. The company has been embroiled in controversy over unpaid settlements to artists, with reports alleging tens of billions of won in outstanding payments. Additionally, it was claimed that Cha entered into contracts with external companies without Taemin’s consent, resulting in serious procedural issues.

Cha Ga Won co founded One Hundred in December 2023 alongside MC Mong, with Big Planet Made Entertainment operating as a subsidiary. After concluding his 16 year exclusive contract with SM Entertainment in March 2024, Taemin signed with Big Planet Made Entertainment. Both companies are currently under Cha’s leadership.

Reports further allege that unpaid settlements are not limited to Taemin. Artists under Big Planet Made Entertainment, including Lee Seung Gi, as well as The Boyz under One Hundred and Baekhyun under subsidiary INB100, are also said to be affected by delayed payments amounting to tens of billions of won.

The companies, including One Hundred, Big Planet Made Entertainment, and INB100, are reportedly in a state of capital impairment, with over 100 billion KRW (75–80 million USD) in unpaid balances to external partners as well. As a result, concerns are rising that it may be difficult for the agencies to properly support their artists’ activities going forward.

Meanwhile, Big Planet Made Entertainment stated that Taemin’s exclusive contract was recently terminated by mutual agreement but declined to elaborate on the specific reasons behind the decision.

SEE ALSO: MC Mong under police investigation for alleged proxy prescription of sleeping pills