K-Pop Agency Manager Caught Leaking Artists’ Contact Information To Loan Sharks For Money

Big Planet Made has recently fired one of its managers after he was caught using the personal contact details of Korean celebrities and industry professionals to secure loans from illegal lenders.

BPM’s parent label, One Hundred, confirmed the allegations in a statement published on October 16.

| Big Planet Made Entertainment

The manager—referred to as Mr. A—took out multiple loans from around 40 different illegal money lenders, using the personal contact details saved on his phone as security. When Mr. A failed to repay the loans, the loan sharks began reaching out to the people whose information had been used, sending threats and demanding repayment.

| Big Planet Made Entertainment

One of the illegal loan companies contacted the agency itself at the end of September. The company responded swiftly by firing Mr. A. Despite the manager’s dismissal, the problem did not stop there. On October 16, the illegal loan companies called again, demanding that the company resolve Mr. A’s financial issues.

One of the illegal loan companies called us again, using abusive language and threatening us to resolve Mr. A’s financial problems on his behalf.

— One Hundred

| Big Planet Made Entertainment

The number of people whose personal details were shared is estimated at around 1,200. The list includes staff members, celebrities signed under the label, and industry figures Mr. A had worked with previously. So far, the loan sharks have mainly targeted employees at Big Planet Made, but there is concern that more people could be affected in the coming days.

Our employees are currently unable to perform their duties properly due to the overwhelming fear caused by the constant threatening calls from these illegal loan companies.

There is a possibility that others, like us, may become victims as a result of the contacts Mr. A provided as collateral. If you receive any threatening calls or messages related to Mr. A’s loans, we strongly urge you to report them to the police immediately.

— One Hundred

One Hundred has expressed deep regret over the incident and is taking legal action against the illegal loan companies involved. The company also encouraged anyone who receives threatening messages or calls related to this issue to immediately report them to the authorities.