The South Korean entertainment industry is reeling from the news that veteran singer and actor Lee Seung Gi has officially moved to terminate his exclusive contract with Big Planet Made Entertainment.
On April 6, 2026, Lee’s legal representative released a comprehensive statement detailing a breakdown in trust and serious financial discrepancies that led to this decision.
This development marks a significant turning point for the artist, who only joined the agency in April 2024 following a high-profile legal battle with his former agency, Hook Entertainment, over similar issues regarding unpaid music royalties.
Allegations of Financial Mismanagement and Unpaid Staff Costs
According to the official position released by Lee Seung Gi’s legal counsel, attorney Yoon Yong Seok, the artist notified Big Planet Made of the contract termination in late March 2026.
The representative emphasized that the contract has been “lawfully terminated” due to clear breaches of agreement by the agency.
The primary grievance centers on the non-payment of settlement amounts to the artist, which reportedly have not been fulfilled since September 2025.
This lack of transparency was further exacerbated when the agency allegedly refused Lee’s requests to access basic contractual and financial documents intended to verify settlement accuracy.
Beyond his own compensation, Lee Seung Gi’s legal team highlighted a deep concern for the operational support of his activities and the welfare of his colleagues.
The statement revealed that problems had arisen regarding payments to on-site staff and external vendors.
Lee’s side noted that despite the internal turmoil and various issues surrounding the agency in recent months, the artist initially made significant efforts to maintain a relationship of trust.
However, the recurring failure to pay those working on the front lines became a “decisive factor,” leading Lee to take swift legal action to prevent further harm to himself and the hard-working staff members associated with his projects.
A Growing Crisis for Big Planet Made Entertainment
The departure of Lee Seung Gi deepens a mounting crisis for Big Planet Made, a label under the parent company One Hundred.
The agency has been facing a wave of artist departures and legal challenges in early 2026. Prior to Lee’s announcement, SHINee’s Taemin had already left the agency following the expiration of his contract, and reports have emerged that other prominent acts, including the group VIVIZ, Lee Mu Jin, and BE’O, have also notified the label of their intent to terminate their contracts due to trust issues and alleged contractual violations.
Also, it was reported that nine members of the group THE BOYZ filed a lawsuit against the agency for contract termination just last month.
In response to Lee Seung Gi’s legal notice, Big Planet Made issued a statement characterized by a starkly different tone.
While Lee’s side maintains the contract is already legally void, the agency stated they are “doing their best to normalize management as quickly as possible” and are “continuously in talks to resolve related issues amicably.”
This difference in positioning- legal finality versus ongoing discussion- suggests a potential courtroom battle ahead.
Despite the legal friction, Lee Seung Gi has reassured his fans and collaborators that he will fulfill all previously scheduled commitments without disruption, emphasizing his commitment to professional responsibility as he navigates this challenging transition.
