(Seoul, October 18, 2024) – Popular K-pop artist Jessi has parted ways with her agency DOD Entertainment just one month after signing, following a controversy involving the alleged assault of a fan by one of her acquaintances.
DOD Entertainment announced today that the decision to terminate the contract came at Jessi’s request after careful consideration. "We had extensive discussions with Jessi regarding her future activities, and after much deliberation, we have decided to end the contract as of October 18, 2024, at Jessi's request," the agency stated, adding, "We deeply apologize for the concern this incident has caused."
The controversy stems from an incident that occurred in the early hours of September 29 in Apgujeong, Gangnam, where a young fan approached Jessi for a photo. According to reports, after Jessi declined the request, a male acquaintance of hers allegedly assaulted the fan. Jessi reportedly attempted to stop the altercation but eventually left the scene.
On October 16, Jessi was summoned to the Gangnam Police Station as a suspect in the investigation. Although Jessi denied knowing the individual responsible for the assault, she expressed a desire for the perpetrator to be brought to justice. "I hope they find the person who did this and that they are punished accordingly," Jessi said to reporters upon her arrival at the police station.
This controversy marks Jessi's second major career shift in recent months. After parting ways with Jay Park's label, More Vision, earlier this year, Jessi signed with DOD Entertainment in September, even launching her own independent label, UNNI. Despite these new ventures, the controversy has quickly derailed her plans, and she now finds herself without an agency once again.
DOD Entertainment concluded their statement by thanking Jessi for her brief time with the company and wishing her the best in her future endeavors.
The case is still under investigation, and fans and the K-pop industry are closely watching to see how Jessi navigates her next steps following this controversy.
Wanna know how it all started? read more here Shock and Outrage: Fan Allegedly Assaulted After Asking Jessi for a Photo—Star's Group Under Fire