YPA speaks out against DSP Media in support of KARA

On January 23rd, the Young Producers’ Association (YPA) released a statement in support ofKARA’s three members as they stand against DSP Media.

The YPA announced:

“DSP Media’s failure to reveal clear balance statements and contract documents resulted in a broken trust, and consequently, this dispute. This issue is vastly different from that of TVXQ’s.

The other entertainment agencies which house idol groups (this includes SM Entertainment) all provide receipts and balance statements to the parents, who act as the singers’ legal representatives. This is a request that is within the singers’ rights, but it’s also the duty of the company to ensure that they provide clear and transparent contract documents.

The contract that has been used by DSP Media thus far has been followed without recognition by the members or their parents. Although they repeatedly made requests to see balance statements and information regarding their contracts, their requests were ignored. DSP Media seems intent on obsessing over the fact that the members filed a one-sided contract termination notice instead.

They’re extremely selfish in their claim, as they have been arguing that the issue comes from the greed of the members and their parents, when the issue actually stems from the company. They have attempted to drive the idea of KARA being immoral singers with the help of the Korea Entertainment Producers’ Association [KEPA] and other production companies, who only seek the protection of their own rights. By using issues that have nothing to do with the controversy, such as the competitor who attempted to lure KARA away from their agency, DSP Media is shading the public’s eyes to the real heart of the problem.

The five members of KARA remaining together is definite. All it requires is for the company to reveal all of the requested documents as transparently as possible. Should there be no problem in those documents, a proper apology and make-up should follow.

The international growth of the Korean music industry relies heavily on the competition within the country. It is the duty of production companies to eradicate wrong customs in order to create fair and transparent systems to further fuel the competitions.“

The YPA is an association created by young album production companies in order to compete in the culture and contents business. The YPA consists of Open World Entertainment, Pledis, Doori Star, and many others.