Singer Lee Hi officially ended her exclusive contract with Duover Entertainment, concluding a two-year partnership. The announcement comes roughly two months after the controversy surrounding her unregistered solo agency surfaced.
On March 13, Duover Entertainment released a statement on its official account, saying, “We inform you that our exclusive contract with artist Lee Hi ended on March 6. While our journey together has concluded, we sincerely look forward to and support Lee Hi’s future endeavors.” Founded in 2024 by GRAY, Code Kunst, and Woo Won Jae, Duover Entertainment had been the platform for Lee Hi’s recent musical activities.
The split draws particular attention due to the January revelation that Lee Hi had been operating her solo agency, 808 HI Recordings, without proper registration for nearly six years. During this period, she reportedly served as CEO while the agency remained unregistered with local authorities, igniting legal and public scrutiny.
Under current law, entertainment management companies operating without proper registration can face criminal penalties. Lee Hi reportedly completed the registration belatedly, even after authorities had issued a guidance period, drawing further criticism. At the time, Duover Entertainment commented, “We were unaware that separate registration was required for the artist while under contract. This was a matter of oversight on the part of both the company and the artist.”
Amid scrutiny over potential administrative sanctions and the management of entertainment agencies, the focus now shifts to whether Lee Hi will pursue an independent path or join a new label. As an artist beloved for her distinctive vocal tone, the public is watching closely to see how she rebounds and what direction her career will take next.
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