Expelled LOONA member Chuu signs with new agency
April 7, 2023
Chuu, a former member of K-pop girl group LOONA, has signed an exclusive contract with newly formed entertainment agency ATRP.
She is the first artist to sign with ATRP, which was founded by former executive director of WM Entertainment Kim Jin-mi.
ATRP said in an announcement of the news on Friday that they “are very pleased to welcome Chuu” as their first artist.
“Chuu has infinite potential, and we will spare no effort in supporting her so that she can show off her talents to her heart’s content, and continue on a joyful and happy career. Please provide much support and attention to Chuu, who has embarked on a new endeavor.”
In November 2022, Chuu was expelled from LOONA by their agency, BlockBerry Creative, following a pay dispute and legal battle.
BlockBerry claimed Chuu’s removal was due to her “violent language and misuse of power” toward staff, which was met with widespread skepticism from fans and industry professionals.
The company then submitted a request with the Korea Entertainment Management Association (CEMA) in February 2023 to ban Chuu from entertainment activities in South Korea, alleging that Chuu had violated her contract by signing with BY4M Studio in 2021. However, CEMA dismissed the petition on April 4 due to insufficient evidence.
Chuu’s signing with ATRP follows the departure of other LOONA members from BlockBerry Creative.
Heejin, Kim Lip, Jinsoul and Choerry were granted injunctions to suspend their contracts with BlockBerry in January and signed with agency Modhaus, founded by LOONA’s former creative director Jaden Jeong.
Modhaus recently announced new music under a project called ARTMS and teased that Kim Lip, Choerry and Jinsoul could reform their LOONA subunit Odd Eye Circle.
Haseul, Yeojin, Yves, Go Won and Olivia Hye are currently appealing their own cases. Hyunjin and Vivi filed similar injunctions in February.
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