CYE Member’s Disappearance Sparks Agency War
The K-pop industry was rocked by an unprecedented crisis when PocketDol Studio filed a missing person report for CYE’s Kenshin Sakurada on January 8, 2025. The underage idol’s whereabouts became a serious concern after UNCORE, the management company behind PROJECT 7’s new group Close Your Eyes (CYE), allegedly cut off all communication with his legal guardians.
Contract Dispute Leads to Crisis
This shocking development came in the wake of CYE’s formation through JTBC’s survival show PROJECT 7, which concluded on December 27. The group, consisting of seven members including Kenshin, was set to promote under UNCORE’s management for two and a half years. However, the celebration of their success quickly turned into a contentious legal battle between the agencies involved.
Legal Guardian Rights vs. Management Control
The situation escalated when UNCORE released a statement on January 9, claiming that an unnamed agency had breached their contract by attempting to schedule unauthorized activities for their artists. PocketDol Studio, home to both Kenshin Sakurada and fellow CYE member Jeon Minwook (also known as J-Min from BAE173), was later revealed as the agency in question.
Impact on CYE’s Future
Attorney Yang Tae Jung, representing PocketDol Studio, expressed deep concern over UNCORE’s actions, particularly regarding their treatment of Kenshin.
See also:Project 7 Contestant’s Friends Go Viral with Hilarious TikTok Promo
As the underage idol’s legal guardian in Korea, PocketDol Studio became increasingly alarmed when UNCORE not only blocked their communication access but also refused to provide information about Kenshin’s accommodation arrangements.
The gravity of the situation intensified when police involvement revealed conflicting statements about Kenshin’s location. UNCORE initially claimed he was with his parents, but later admitted he was at their practice facility after police verification with the parents proved otherwise. This incident has unveiled a deeper conflict between the agencies involved in PROJECT 7’s new group and raised serious questions about the protection of underage artists in the K-pop industry.
See also:Idol Cleared of Bullying Accusations Makes Comeback on PROJECT7
Final Thoughts: The Price of Fame
The dispute has sent shockwaves through the K-pop community, with fans and industry observers closely monitoring the situation.
This incident has not only exposed the complex relationships between entertainment agencies but also highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by young artists in the competitive world of K-pop.
