South Korean singer-songwriter Younha has ended her exclusive contract with C9 Entertainment after 14 years, citing a long-running dispute over allegedly unpaid settlement payments.
The news was announced on October 26, 2026, through a statement from her legal representative, marking the end of a partnership that began in 2012.
According to law firm Illo, which represents Younha, the singer had repeatedly requested that the agency resolve the outstanding settlement issue.
However, after those requests allegedly went unaddressed, she notified C9 Entertainment of her decision to terminate the contract in September 2026.
Her legal representative stated that C9 Entertainment had acknowledged in an official document that the termination took effect on September 14.
Although the contractual relationship has ended, the dispute over the payments remains unresolved and is now being addressed through legal proceedings.
The development has attracted attention because Younha had continued working with the agency for more than a decade and renewed her exclusive contract as recently as January 2025.
Despite the separation, her representatives have confirmed that she intends to continue her musical activities.
Younha Files Lawsuit Over Unpaid Settlements
The disagreement between Younha and C9 Entertainment has progressed beyond contract termination.
According to reports, the singer filed a lawsuit against the agency on October 6, seeking approximately 950 million won in connection with the disputed settlements and confirmation that her exclusive contract was no longer in effect.
She also reportedly applied for an injunction to suspend the effects of the exclusive contract.
A court hearing involving both sides took place on October 26.
Younha’s legal team explained that the singer had sought corrective action over what it described as a longstanding issue involving unpaid settlement money.
When the matter was not resolved to her satisfaction, she proceeded with the termination.
The legal representative also clarified that the remaining issues would be handled through the procedures established by law.
The lawsuit will determine the outstanding questions surrounding the payments, including the claims made by Younha and the amount, if any, ultimately found to be owed.
At this stage, the allegations concerning unpaid settlements remain part of an ongoing legal dispute.
The final outcome will depend on the legal process rather than the announcement of the contract termination alone.
Younha’s representatives have also asked the public and media outlets to avoid speculative reporting.
They stressed that the dispute concerns the singer and C9 Entertainment specifically and should not be extended to other artists or employees affiliated with the company.
Younha Plans to Continue Her Music Career
Younha first signed with C9 Entertainment in 2012 and remained associated with the agency for approximately 14 years.
The two parties renewed their agreement in 2019 and again in January 2025, demonstrating that their professional relationship had continued through multiple stages of her career.
The singer originally debuted in Japan in 2004 before making her Korean debut in 2006.
Over the years, she established herself as a respected solo vocalist and songwriter, known for combining pop-rock influences with emotional ballads.
Among her best-known songs is “Password 486.”
She also experienced a remarkable chart resurgence in 2022 when “Event Horizon,” initially released in 2021, gained widespread popularity and climbed to the top of South Korean music charts.
During her time with C9 Entertainment, Younha continued releasing music and performing for audiences.
She also held concerts and a nationwide tour connected to the 20th anniversary of her debut, marking an important milestone in her career.
Despite the separation, her legal representative has made clear that the end of her exclusive contract will not mean an end to her musical activities.
Younha is expected to continue pursuing music while the financial dispute proceeds through the appropriate legal channels.
For now, attention remains on the outcome of the lawsuit and how the singer will move forward professionally following the end of her long association with C9 Entertainment.
