Lee Sun-hee parts ways with agency of 24 years… becomes a free agent

Singer Lee Sun-hee is ending her contract with the agency she has been with for 24 years. Chorokbaem Entertainment announced that they have agreed not to renew her exclusive contract, which is set to expire next month. As a result, Lee Sun-hee will continue her activities as a free agent (FA), either by finding a new agency or by working independently.

A 24-Year Connection with Her Agency

The connection between Lee Sun-hee and her agency dates back to 2002. After forming a bond with Hook Entertainment, founded by her then-manager Kwon Jin-young, she maintained a close partnership for approximately 24 years. Even when Hook Entertainment was acquired by its parent company, Chorokbaem Media, and renamed Chorokbaem Entertainment, Lee Sun-hee maintained her contract and continued her activities. In 2024, marking her 40th anniversary since debut, she continued her musical activities under the same agency.

Past Issues and Official Statement

Lee Sun-hee was previously investigated regarding allegations related to her agency. At the time, she released an official statement explaining that she had received a summary order for a fine because some of the corporate card expenditures of her personal corporation, One Entertainment, were not recognized as business expenses. She stated, "I am deeply reflecting on the things I missed under the pretext of not knowing, and I am accepting this humbly." Lee Sun-hee also previously served as a director at the agency.

The Career of an Unrivaled Vocalist

Debuting in 1984 after winning the Grand Prize at the 5th MBC Riverside Song Festival, Lee Sun-hee is a representative vocalist of South Korea, having left behind numerous hits such as 'To J', 'Fate', and 'Meeting You Among Them'. She built global recognition by successfully performing at Carnegie Hall in New York and the Sydney Opera House in Australia, and she also served as a judge for seasons 1 and 2 of JTBC's 'Sing Again'. This past April, she resumed her musical activities by releasing her first new album in four years, 'Now I See Love'.

The Trend of Long-term Contract Terminations in the Entertainment Industry

Recently, there has been a trend in the entertainment industry where stars who have built trust with a single agency over a long period are successively announcing their departures. The actor couple Kim Nam-joo and Kim Seung-woo ended their contract with Queen Entertainment, with whom they had been together for 12 years, and actress Song Hye-kyo also parted ways with UAA after 20 years. Singer Hong Ji-yoon also left her previous agency to prepare for a new beginning.