The producer of the musical “Dream High Season 2” has responded after GOT7’s Youngjae publicly spoke out about unpaid appearance fees.
On June 10, Art One Company CEO Kim Eun Ha released a statement apologizing for the issue. She said, “We sincerely bow our heads and apologize for causing concern to many people over the recent issue of unpaid appearance fees for the musical ‘Dream High Season 2.’”
She also said the company deeply regrets disappointing the actors, staff, and fans who trusted and supported the production.
According to Kim Eun Ha, the company faced “unexpected difficulties in managing funds” during the production of “Dream High Season 2”, which led to delays in paying appearance fees. However, she said the company has been trying to resolve the unpaid payments.
She then confirmed that the company has reached an agreement with Youngjae’s side. She stated, “We have currently reached a smooth agreement with GOT7 Youngjae’s side to complete the settlement process for the remaining unpaid amount within this June.”
She added that the company will put its promise to the actor first and finish the settlement within the agreed deadline.
The statement came after Youngjae posted a message on June 9, pointing out that the payment issue had still not been resolved. He wrote, “I thought you said you would settle it by June 9, but it still has not been settled even today.”
Youngjae also said, “By August, it will almost be one year since it has not been settled.” He added that it was difficult to see new posts about the production while he still had not properly received the appearance fees he was owed.
He also asked the company not to say payments were being made if only small parts of the original amount had been paid little by little.
Youngjae previously filed a complaint against the production company in January. He appeared in “Dream High Season 2” from April to July last year, but reportedly did not receive his full appearance fees even after the show ended.
Concerns also grew after news came out that “Dream High Season 3” was being prepared while the unpaid fee issue from Season 2 had not yet been fully settled.
Kim Eun Ha ended her statement by apologizing again to the actors and staff, saying the company would take the situation as a serious lesson and work to prevent the same issue from happening again.
Youngjae enlisted last November and is currently serving as a social service worker.
