PocketDol Studio has issued a statement regarding BAE173 member Doha’s lawsuit to confirm the invalidity of his exclusive contract and his application for a provisional injunction to suspend its effect.
The BAE173 member claimed, “PocketDol Studio failed to pay the artist his earnings and failed to provide documentation of all costs and earnings. The agency also fabricated its expenses and spending.”
Furthermore, the agency forced the artist to halt his activities without his consent.” Doha’s side claimed that the company unilaterally informed him on September 15 KST during a meeting, “If that’s the case, then you sit out.”.
PocketDol stated: “Regarding the claims about settlement statements, we have been sending quarterly settlement statements to BAE173 members via email. However, due to a staffing gap caused by the departure of a responsible employee, there was a delay in sending the statements immediately. After completing the settlement review process, the statements were finally delivered in October. We want to clarify that this delay was due to an administrative mistake, not intentional omission.”.
BAE173 promoted as an 8-member group until earlier this year, when member J-Min successfully debuted in the project group Close Your Eyes formed through Project 7. Then, in September, the group announced Doha’s temporary hiatus due to “health issues” and made a comeback as 6-members in October.
Regarding the announcement of Doha’s temporary hiatus due to “health issues” PocketDol stated: “This was not a unilateral decision, but rather a judgment based on accumulated reasons such as his lack of commitment and unexpected behavior on site.” The company also claimed that the production team of the 2024 Chinese iQIYI audition program ‘Starlight Boys’ contacted them several times due to issues with Doha’s attitude. Additionally, at a recent fan event, Doha allegedly left the venue and used profanity without prior consultation.
PocketDol Studio came under fire from netizens for sending 4 BAE173 Members to Starlight Boys a SBS/iQIYI survival show and 4 members to Project 7 a JBTC survival show. They also used this strategy for their other boy group Fantasy Boys.
PocketDol added, “There have been numerous reports from staff and associates about difficulties caused by Doha’s words and actions. We have secured objective evidence, such as text messages and messenger records, and plan to submit all of this to the court. We will clarify the facts through legal procedures going forward.”
Earlier that day, Doha posted on his social networking service (SNS), “Due to a unilateral decision by the company, I am unable to continue my scheduled activities against my will. After much deliberation, I had no choice but to make this decision,” signalling his upcoming lawsuit against PocketDol.
Previously, former BAE173 member Nam Do Hyun filed an injunction against PocketDol Studio requesting the termination of his exclusive contract and won his case.
Meanwhile, Doha debuted as a member of BAE173 in November 2020.
