JDB Entertainment CEO Lee Kang Hee Resigns After Rumored Affair With Girl Group Member

Lee Kang Hee, CEO of JDB Entertainment, has officially resigned following allegations of an extramarital affair with a member of a K-pop girl group.

The company confirmed his resignation in a statement released Tuesday, saying they are still verifying the facts surrounding the recent issue but noted the CEO has submitted his resignation. It also expressed its sincere apologies for the concern the affair has caused.

The scandal erupted when photos circulated on social media showing Lee, who is married with two children, being intimate with a female idol. Several witnesses said Lee and the girl group member were seen meeting in private after work schedules, hugging and holding hands late at night in public areas.

An executive board member at JDB Entertainment confirmed to media outlets that Lee had admitted to the improper relationship.

"Employees within the company became aware of their relationship a few days ago. As it is a serious matter, we are currently considering what measures to take against the CEO," the executive said.

The fallout has been swift and devastating for JDB's subsidiary label EFG Music, which managed IHOTEU. The three-member girl group, consisting of Negi, Mina, and Amu, has officially disbanded just seven months after their October 2024 debut. Member Mina, reportedly involved in the scandal, was the first to terminate her contract, followed quickly by the remaining members.

EFG Music has since announced the termination of contracts for all its artists, including live idol Nana and newly debuted band HIJK, which had formed less than a month ago. The label has temporarily suspended all operations while determining its future.

JDB Entertainment, founded by comedians Kim Jun-ho and Kim Dae-hee, represents numerous popular comedians including Kim Ji-min, Yoo Min-sang, and others. The company acknowledged internal failures in a statement, saying the incident was a result of the company's lack of proper management and response to the issue.

On June 16, Lee and the idol reportedly filed a police complaint against the person who leaked their photos, alleging defamation and stalking violations. The whistleblower is believed to be a sasaeng fan (obsessive fan), and JDB has submitted CCTV footage to police as evidence.