Singer Younha and C9 Entertainment End 14-Year Partnership in Bitter Split; Lawsuit Seeks 950 Million Won in Unpaid Settlements

After 14 years together, trust breaks down and a settlement dispute heads to court

Singer 'Younha' has filed a lawsuit against her agency, 'C9 Entertainment,' seeking settlement payments that went unpaid over an extended period, bringing their 14-year partnership to an end.

According to law firm Illo, Younha's legal representative, on the 26th, Younha's side repeatedly called on 'C9 Entertainment' to resolve the unpaid settlement issue, but the agency failed to do so. Younha then notified the agency last month that she was terminating her exclusive contract. The termination took effect on the 14th of last month.

The lawsuit seeking unpaid settlement payments, filed with the Seoul Central District Court, is reportedly worth about '950 million won'. However, the two sides have sharply different methods for calculating the payments, leaving open the possibility that the amount ultimately sought could change as the legal battle unfolds.

Younha signed an exclusive contract with 'C9 Entertainment' in 2012 and went on to become one of the company's flagship artists, releasing numerous hit songs, including 'Event Horizon,' which became a viral chart hit. Given their longstanding, close partnership, the dispute is making waves both inside and outside the music industry.

After news of the lawsuit emerged, 'C9 Entertainment' issued a statement through its official social media accounts that afternoon. The agency said, "The parties are reviewing, through legal proceedings, the matters on which they disagree regarding the ongoing lawsuit over settlement payments," adding, "We will respect the court's final ruling and faithfully fulfill any obligations required as a result."