There is currently some beef going on between ABYSS Company and Urban Zakapa’s Jo Hyun Ah after the singer came out against the company twice and it all stemmed from the company’s Chuseok family photo which was released recently.
Recently, Jo Hyun Ah expressed her disappointment and dissatisfaction publicly on her social media regarding ABYSS Company’s family photo released during last month’s Chuseok holiday, which did not include Urban Zakapa members. Jo Hyun Ah left a comment saying, “Wow, we’re not there. Couldn’t you at least say something?”
ABYSS Company initially responded, “Due to the termination of the contract with Jo Hyun Ah, we decided that it would be difficult to have a complete Urban Zakapa appearance in the content, so we proceeded with production without appearances by Kwon Soon-il and Park Yong-in. We apologize to the members and fans.”
However, about a week later on the 6th, Jo Hyun Ah once again publicly criticized ABYSS Company on her social media, saying, “Since nobody has given me a response, I assume that my contract has ended based on the statement from the agency.” Jo Hyun Ah questioned whether ABYSS Company wanted to suspend Urban Zakapa activities, as it has been over 600 days since their last nationwide tour and her album has not been released despite sending demos for a long time.
She also alleged a lack of proper support during promotional activities and the absence of Urban Zakapa members in the group photo during this year’s Chuseok holiday. Especially regarding the group photo, she asked, “Is exclusion allowed according to the standard contract? Please arrange for at least one album, performance, or event with Urban Zakapa. I want to be Urban Zakapa. If the intention is not to suspend activities, I would appreciate it if the official account or any official statement, apology, release plans, activity plans, and concert plans could be provided.”
After her statements, On the 7th, ABYSS Company released an official statement addressing the situation in further details refuting her allegations, “Contracts with Urban Zakapa members have been signed until December. The company has done its best for the artists and has tried various methods to support their schedules and activities.”
Jo Hyun Ah recently left ABYSS Company and established a new entertainment company called Andrew Company. ABYSS Company explained, “According to the additional agreement separate from the Urban Zakapa contract period, the exclusive contract with Jo Hyun Ah ended in June last year, regardless of the intentions of other Urban Zakapa members, and we fully accepted Jo Hyun Ah’s desire to independently pursue her career.” They further explained, “We have done our best for the artists and have tried various methods to support their schedules and activities. Even if suggestions are made, all decisions regarding appearances and progress are determined by the members’ authority.” They clarified that some members’ disagreements during the negotiation process hindered the active execution of proposed plans.
Additionally, ABYSS Company expressed displeasure over Jo Hyun Ah’s public criticisms, stating, “We are also sorry for causing confusion to many people by revealing false information.”
ABYSS Company explained, “Regarding personal schedules such as guest appearances, we do not provide official transportation or management support as a principle. However, we have supported personal schedules unless it was impossible due to official schedules of other artists, in order to provide convenience for our affiliated artists. We have listened to each member’s opinions and considerations, and all specific details have been recorded.”
Source: (A)
