Woollim Entertainment is currently embroiled in controversy. The K-pop agency recently announced the departure of Alex, a member of the boy group DRIPPIN. Woollim Entertainment has also been hit by a series of negative reviews from former employees.
Earlier this year, Alex took a break from his promotional activities due to health concerns. Woollim Entertainment released a statement, saying he was ill and needed time away to focus on recovering. During this period, DRIPPIN continued promoting as a six-member group.
안녕하세요 알렉스입니다. pic.twitter.com/TBk2JuhZeX
— 𝑨𝑳𝑬𝑿𝑨𝑵𝑫𝑬𝑹 (@alvin_hayosch) July 28, 2023
However, after talking to Woollim Entertainment, Alex decided to end his activities with DRIPPIN and terminate his exclusive contract with the agency. In a heartfelt letter to fans, Alex expressed his deep gratitude for the love and support he received during his time with the group and promised to work hard to deliver good news in the future. Despite his departure, Alex pledged his continued support for DRIPPIN and Woollim Entertainment and asked fans to do the same.
여러분 너무 오랜만이죠? 여러분은 그동안 어떻게 지내셨나요? 저는 많은 생각을 하면서 지냈습니다. 이렇게 다시 만나게 돼서 너무 기뻐요. 우리 앞으로 많이 소통해요. #Alex #tlex #알렉스 pic.twitter.com/QZgUC5BpcK
— 𝑨𝑳𝑬𝑿𝑨𝑵𝑫𝑬𝑹 (@alvin_hayosch) July 28, 2023
Is Woollim Entertainment a toxic company?
Alex‘s departure isn’t the only issue the agency is dealing with. Some former employees of Woollim Entertainment left extremely negative reviews on an employer review site. The reviews paint a grim picture of the company’s internal workings, with one reviewer describing the company as a “Caged Scrap Waste Farm Full of People With Flaws.”
The reviews highlight a range of issues, like favoritism, poor management, and low wages. One even accused the company of fabricating performance stats and manipulating fan reactions. The reviews left netizens shocked and concerned for the artists under the agency. In response to the reviews, they expressed concern and shock.
https://twitter.com/mijoo_stan/status/1651436443619807233
The controversies surrounding Woollim Entertainment have raised questions about how the agency manages its artists. As the agency is home to artists such as Golden Child, Kwon Eun Bi, and Rocket Punch, many are eagerly awaiting the company’s response to these allegations.
It is hoped that the issues will be addressed properly and that the artists will continue to thrive in a supportive and fair environment. – K-Pop News Writer
Featured Image: Alex sported a somber expression and outfit in a concept photo for DRIPPIN’s 1st album, released last year. Source: Twitter/Woollim Entertainment’s official Twitter account.