HYBE, Source Music Under Fire After Kim Garam's Contract Termination— Here's Why
What will happen to Kim Garam? Following Kim Garam's contract termination and departure from LE SSERAFIM, HYBE and Source Music are being criticized for THIS reason.
Kim Garam Leaves LE SSERAFIM Following School Violence Controversy
Former LE SSERAFIM Kim Garam
On July 20, Kim Garam, who had been the center of criticism after debuting due to allegations of school violence, eventually got kicked out of the team and the agency. HYBE and Source Music stated:
"We have decided to terminate our exclusive contract with Kim Garam. [...] We sincerely apologize for causing inconvenience to fans and to those who have shown love as well as support to LE SSERAFIM due to the controversy over the member."
READ FULL STATEMENT HERE: HYBE Terminates Kim Garam's Exclusive Contract, Leaves LE SSERAFIM
LE SSERAFIM Kim Garam
Reason People Are Upset Following HYBE, Source Music's Statement About Kim Garam
From the agency's point of view, Kim Garam's exclusive contract with the agency is terminated and LE SSERAFIM will continue as a five-member group. In addition, an apology to fans was also included.
On the other hand, there is no mention of the victim who claimed to have been assaulted by Kim Garam.
The reason why people are displeased wasn't actually because of the departure of the member but due to the agency's official position that caused secondary offense against the victim.
Newsen wrote:
"Despite the clear record of (Kim Garam) receiving the fifth measure (for school bullying), HYBE and Source pointed out that Kim Garam is a victim and refuted witness A's official position as 'an act of spreading malicious false information."
Furthermore, even after recognizing the issues before her debut, the agencies pushed ahead with the group's debut with Kim Garam and eventually exposed the artists to public ire.
HYBE and Source Music's responses were also vague, neither the victims nor their artists could be properly protected.
On top of this, the fact that there was no apology for the victim while officially announcing the termination of the exclusive contract with Kim Garam is being criticized once again.
What's Next for Kim Garam and Remaining LE SSERAFIM Members?
As a result of Kim Garam's departure from the group, LE SSERAFIM will be active as a five-member group consisting of Sakura, Kim Chaewon, Huh Yunjin, Kazuha, and Hong Eunchae.
Expectations are also focused on how their past choreographies and songs will change permanently to fill the void Kim Garam left.
In regards to the former LE SSERAFIM member, her traces are already being erased. As of July 20, the introduction of members has been changed on the group's official website: "girl group consisting of five multinational members."
Changes have also been made to some portal site profiles, describing Kim Garam as a "singer" rather than a girl group member. Eyes are focused on what will happen to her career following the controversy.
Although she is no longer part of the group anymore, the investigation continues.
On the other hand, some are curious about whether HYBE and Source Music will continue to verify facts about Kim Garam's school violence and protect the idol who is still a minor.
ALSO READ: LE SSERAFIM’s Kim Garam Draws Attention for Past Problematic SNS Posts
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Written by Eunice Dawson
