[Kang Il-hong's Close-up] Trot Music Scene's 'Uncomfortable Cohabitation'... Audition Stars&Agencies 'Dispute'

Singer Claims Talent, Agency Claims Investment Contribution... Conflicting Interests"Conflict" Behind "Success"... Dissatisfaction with Unfavorable Contracts&Family InterventionTrot audition programs have changed the landscape of the music industry. For unknown singers, it was a chance for a life-changing opportunity, and for broadcasters, it was a hit card guaranteeing ratings and buzz. However, behind the dazzling success lies an uncomfortable reality. /AI Image[THE FACT|Reporter Kang Il-hong] Trot audition programs have changed the landscape of the music industry. For unknown singers, it was a chance for a life-changing opportunity, and for broadcasters, it was a hit card guaranteeing ratings and buzz. However, behind the dazzling success lies an uncomfortable reality. The stages for established singers are shrinking, and the market value of some audition-born singers surpasses that of legendary singers. Furthermore, with contract disputes between singers and agencies becoming frequent, the trot music scene is suffering internally.The problem is not simply a generational shift. While there is enthusiasm for creating stars, the order surrounding responsibility, rights, and profit distribution after the stars have grown has not been properly established. In the past, the important criteria for event invitations were hit songs, public recognition, and extensive stage experience. Of course, this has largely changed. Broadcast exposure, fandom size, and the ability to lead the on-site atmosphere have emerged as key criteria for invitations to local festivals and regional events.As a result, veteran and senior singers who have been in the music industry for a long time are losing their places, and a phenomenon of "fee reversal" is occurring where the appearance fees of some rising singers are higher than those of legendary singers. Of course, it is not wrong for singers who attract large audiences to receive higher guarantees. However, the story changes if broadcast exposure and fandom size become the absolute criteria for determining market value. A market where musical achievements and contributions to popular culture built over decades are pushed aside by short-term buzz cannot be considered healthy.◆ Disputes over Settlement During Contract Period, Frequent Legal BattlesA more serious problem is the conflict between singers and their agencies. In their unknown days, both parties were desperate for each other, but their relationship falters once they gain popularity and their market value soars. There are frequent cases of parting ways immediately after the contract period ends, or even engaging in legal battles over settlements and rights during the contract period. Singers argue that their success is driven by their skills, efforts, and the public's choice after passing rigorous auditions, while agencies counter that they discovered the singers from their unknown days, supported their audition preparation, schedule management, and broadcast activities, and bore investments and sacrifices.Both sides have a point. However, the problem is the attitude of not recognizing the other party's contribution after success. If singers overestimate their talent and agencies try to excessively control current profits by citing past investments, the collapse of trust is only a matter of time. The relationship that was a partnership before success turns into one of stakeholders fighting over profits after success. While auditions may have created stars, they have not matured the order of contracts and management surrounding those stars.Ultimately, money is at the center of the conflict. For example, if an event appearance fee is 10 million won, the broadcasting company's entrusted management company (typically for 1.5 to 2 years) receives half, and the remaining half is divided between the singer and the original agency. This leaves the singer with only 25% of the total, or 2.5 million won. If various expenses are deducted in advance, the actual received amount can shrink further. Of course, this does not apply to all singers, but dissatisfaction over profit distribution can accumulate until the contract expires.◆ Auditions are a "Channel of Opportunity" for Singers... Contributions to Success Must Be RecognizedEven if unfavorable terms were accepted at the time of signing due to the urgent need for broadcast appearances and recognition, it is unreasonable to demand that they be endured unconditionally even after success. Conversely, the argument that only the singer's share should be increased, ignoring the agency's investments and management costs, is also not the answer. Are the profit distribution rates and cost deduction standards clearly stated in the contract? Can the singer transparently check the settlement details? Is there a reasonable balance between compensation for investment and the singer's rights and interests? If these questions cannot be answered, the seeds of dispute are unavoidable.Above all, the intervention of family members such as parents, siblings, or husbands is a factor that exacerbates the conflict. While it is natural for family to protect the singer's rights and interests, if they emotionally interfere without fully understanding the contract and settlement structure, they can escalate problems that could have been resolved. The attitude of taking the help of those around for granted, intoxicated by sudden popularity and soaring appearance fees, should also be guarded against. Being recognized for vocal talent in an audition does not mean being verified for qualifications as a cultural figure.Also, talent and character are separate. Popularity is unlikely to last if there is no consideration for the managers, staff, and those who nurtured them. However, before blaming the singer's attitude, the contract structure that repeatedly creates conflicts must be examined. Kim Sung-woong, president of the Korea Trot Producers Association, pointed out, "Conflicts arise not because of one party's problem, but because both parties have different perspectives," and "To resolve the structural problems that lead to muddy water rather than clean water the more you dig, the contract must be changed to be more reasonable."Stars can be made through auditions, but trust cannot be built through auditions. Without fair contracts, mutual respect, and transparent settlements, today's rising stars can also become tomorrow's dispute parties. /AI Image◆ Without Consideration for Managers and Staff, It's a "House of Cards"The solution is clear. The contract must be changed. Profit distribution, cost deductions, contract periods, and the authority of entrusted management must be clarified, and settlement details must be transparently disclosed. There is also a need to establish a mechanism for renegotiating the contract under certain conditions if the singer's scale of activities and income have significantly changed. Legal and accounting reviews should be conducted before signing, and mechanisms to understand the meaning of the contract should be strengthened. Singers need character and professional ethics education, and agencies should not excessively restrict singers' rights under the guise of investment and sacrifice.Broadcasters should also go beyond simply producing stars through auditions and consider management structures and measures to prevent contract disputes after the program. Auditions should be a channel for providing opportunities to unknown singers, not a starting point for conflicts over shares after success. Singers must recognize those who contributed to their success, and agencies must demand fair compensation for their investments while respecting the singer's growth and rights.Stars can be made through auditions, but trust cannot be built through auditions. Without fair contracts, mutual respect, and transparent settlements, today's rising stars can also become tomorrow's dispute parties. Trot auditions are scheduled to continue throughout the second half of this year and next year. What the music industry urgently needs to change is not just the market value of stars. The industrial structure that can fairly share the fruits of success and grow together is more desperately needed than ever.eel@tf.co.kr