Imagine being so iconic that the entire Korean music industry changed its course because of one band that rebelled against the norms.
Seo Taiji and Boys are the inception of hip-hop in the Korean music scene. Led by the legendary Seo Taiji, the boy band challenged convention, tradition, and authority. They were fearless in expressing their stance on social issues at a sensitive time in the Korean political climate.
And when they disbanded abruptly, the entire nation came down to the streets to protest their end. Such was the influence of the band that even after two decades, the new generation still looked up to the first-gen idols.
While Seo Taiji became a household name, one of the band members paved his own path into the industry.
Yang Hyun Suk ventured into the Korean music industry as a most sought-after producer. Soon, he opened his own agency with YG Entertainment. Within just a decade, he made his company one of the coveted Big3.
And now, after dominating the K-pop industry for over two decades, the former CEO is on a downward spiral.
Producer Yang Hyun Suk was the CEO of YG Entertainment before resigning when numerous allegations against him were reported. Later, Hwang Bo-kyung was appointed as the CEO. On November 8, 2023, the Seoul High Court declared their verdict on the allegations that Mr. Yang threatened an informant who exposed B.I (former leader of IKON) for using drugs. The former CEO of YG Entertainment is sentenced to six months of imprisonment and one year of probation.
What Do We Know About the Ex-CEO of YG Entertainment?
Yang Hyun Suk is responsible for the career of major K-pop idols by launching the most famous bands, including Blackpink, BIGBANG, IKON, Winner, 2NE1, Babymonster, Treasure, and more.
Did You Know: Yang Hyun Suk is married to the sister of a member of Sechkies, Lee Jai Jin, a band under his agency.
In the past couple of years, numerous allegations against Mr. Yang have surfaced, including prostitution, gambling, drug usage, and more.
Why Is The CEO Of YG Entertainment Sentenced to Imprisonment?
B.I., the former leader of IKON, was a promising young producer who had several KOMCA song credits under his name. His songs would shatter all charts, earning a triple crown on several music charts. Just type “Love Scenario,” and your life will change forever.
B.I. carried his group from the verge of disbandment to becoming one of the top third-generation K-pop groups. While IKON was on its upward trajectory, a critical mishap took a 180-degree turn for the band.
B.I. was accused of drug usage by the former YG trainee, Han Seo-hee. Even through the preliminary investigation, it was quite evident that B.I. was partially involved in the trade, as verified in the text messages, call logs, and digital footprint.
Netizens flooded criticisms against IKON’s former leader for sabotaging the entire band. B.I. announced his departure from the band. Since then, he has ventured solo after a long hiatus.
But when Ms. Han first exposed B.I., Mr. Yang, who was then CEO of YGE, allegedly threatened and pressured her to take back her statement to the ACRC (Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission).
Meanwhile, the informant has been too flippant with her statements–
First, she said that B.I. bought 10 doses of LSD. Then, she changed the statement that the idol made the order but never went ahead with the purchase.
The court reached its verdict, stating that Mr. Yang was found guilty of threatening the informant to manipulate the investigation, for which he was sentenced to six months in prison and a year of probation.
What is your verdict in this case? Do you think Mr. Yang deserves this punishment? Do you think B.I. will ever reunite with IKON?
Let us know in the comments section below.
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