Hello,
This is The Seven Pact.
We are writing to express our deep disappointment regarding the continued inclusion of MADEIN & IKON in the "Sound in Colors" festival lineup.
We approached the festival organizers respectfully and provided documented information regarding the serious allegations surrounding 143 Entertainment and its CEO, Lee Yonghak. Despite the gravity of these allegations and the evidence presented publicly by the Hanbit Media Labor Rights Center, no action has been taken to reconsider the participation of the company.
For those unfamiliar with the case, the Hanbit Media Labor Rights Center held a press conference on April 29 to announce the filing of a criminal complaint against 143 Entertainment CEO Lee Yonghak. According to the victim, who was a minor under the age of 19 at the time, the CEO subjected them to verbal abuse, threats, sexual harassment, and sexual assault. The victim's family states that the CEO initially admitted wrongdoing and promised to step away from the victim, but later denied the allegations, broke those promises, and allegedly shifted blame onto the victim.
During the press conference, the victim's mother described months of trauma, pressure, and failed attempts to protect her child's dream of continuing activities as an idol. The victim's legal representatives confirmed that a complaint had been filed under South Korea's Act on the Protection of Children and Youth Against Sexual Abuse. The Hanbit Media Labor Rights Center also released recordings and written statements that they say support the victim's account, while former employees and industry advocates raised broader concerns regarding workplace misconduct, labor rights violations, and the treatment of young artists within the company.
The resulting situation led to severe emotional distress for the victim. Despite the victim's expressed desire to remain with the group and continue pursuing their dream as an idol, those efforts were unsuccessful. According to the victim's family, 143 Entertainment subsequently announced the victim's removal from the group, leaving them unable to continue activities.
In summary, this is not a minor controversy, nor is it a matter of online rumors. It is a case involving allegations of sexual abuse against a minor that has resulted in a formal criminal complaint, public testimony from the victim's family, and evidence presented by a recognized labor rights organization.
By choosing not to address these concerns or reevaluate the participation of 143 Entertainment, Sound in Colors sends a troubling message. While the festival has every right to make its own decisions, continuing to provide a platform to a company facing such serious allegations demonstrates a concerning lack of accountability and sensitivity toward victims of abuse.
We believe festivals and cultural events have a responsibility to uphold ethical standards and to consider the impact their decisions have on artists, fans, and survivors. When credible allegations involving the abuse of a minor are met with silence or inaction, it risks creating the perception that such concerns are secondary to commercial interests.
We urge Sound in Colors to reconsider its position and to reflect on the message it sends by continuing to associate with 143 Entertainment while these allegations remain unresolved. At a minimum, we believe the concerns raised by the victim, her family, her legal representatives, and the Hanbit Media Labor Rights Center deserve serious consideration rather than dismissal or indifference.
Until Sound in Colors addresses these concerns, its silence will continue to raise questions about the standards it applies when deciding what kind of companies are given a platform at its events.
@sound_in_colors
Sound In Colors take responsibility!
We demand the removal of 143 Entertainment artists, MADEIN and IKON, from the festival lineup in alignment with the boycott.
#BOYCOTT143ENT
#WeStandWithMADEIN
#143은설명하라
🚨🇨🇼 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Curaçao made HISTORY in the World Cup today:
• They have a population of just around 156,000 people, making them one of the smallest nations ever to play in a World Cup
• They qualified for the World Cup for the FIRST time ever after finishing TOP of their CONCACAF qualifying group.
• In their first-ever World Cup, they were drawn into a brutal group with Germany, Ecuador and Ivory Coast.
• After losing 7-1 to Germany in their debut, Curaçao responded by winning their FIRST-EVER point in World Cup history
• They held Ecuador to a 0-0 draw despite being massive underdogs
• Their goalkeeper, Eloy Room, made 15 SAVES and delivered one of the greatest goalkeeping performances in World Cup history
From a nation of 156,000 people to making World Cup history.
Curaçao, take a bow. 🇨🇼👏