The Financial Impasse: Q3 and Q4 2026 Settlements
The legal battle between THE BOYZ and their current agency, One Hundred, has escalated into a high-stakes financial war as of April 23, 2026. Both parties have released conflicting statements regarding the status of the group’s earnings and the massive advance payments made at the beginning of their partnership. The dispute centers on two primary issues: alleged unpaid settlements from the latter half of 2026 and a staggering 16.5 billion won signing bonus that the agency claims should have ensured the members’ financial stability. This conflict has sent shockwaves through the industry, as it involves one of K-pop’s most consistent top-tier boy groups and an agency that has recently made aggressive moves in the market.
According to statements from the legal representative for THE BOYZ, identified as Lawyer Kim, the group has not received the settlements owed for the third and fourth quarters of 2026. The artist side expressed deep regret over the agency’s recent public claims, asserting that no such payments have been finalized. Lawyer Kim stated that the agency’s official position, which suggested that settlements were complete, was factually incorrect. The legal team emphasized that the members are heavy-hearted regarding the confusion this has caused their fans and industry partners, but they maintained that the legal process must proceed based on accurate financial records rather than public relations statements.
“1.5 billion won is life-changing money for anyone, but that doesn’t mean the company can skip regular settlements. If the contract stipulates quarterly payments, those obligations must be met regardless of the initial signing bonus. The law doesn’t care about ‘generosity’ if the books don’t balance.” — User on TheQoo (Post ID: 4175324975)
One Hundred’s Unprecedented 16.5 Billion Won Investment
In a swift rebuttal issued on the evening of the same day, One Hundred’s legal representative, Hyeon Dong-yeop, detailed the massive financial commitment the agency has made to the group. According to the agency, each of the 11 members of THE BOYZ received 1.5 billion won as a signing bonus, totaling 16.5 billion won (approximately $12 million USD). This amount was described by the agency as a “bold decision” intended to ensure that the artists could focus on their activities without financial distractions or “economic temptations.” The agency noted that this level of support is nearly unprecedented in the K-pop industry for a group at this stage of their career.
The agency further clarified that for the nine members currently involved in the lawsuit, the total amount paid out in advances alone reaches 135 billion won. Lawyer Hyeon argued that these payments far exceed the industry standard, which typically ranges from 100 million to 300 million won for similar contract renewals or transfers. The agency claimed that industry experts and competing labels had even warned them against the deal, calling the 1.5 billion won per member a “crazy price” and predicting that any amount over 700 million won per person would lead to guaranteed financial losses for the company. Despite these warnings, One Hundred claims they moved forward to show their dedication to the group’s future.
Allegations of Contractual Deception and Market Value
A significant portion of the agency’s defense rests on allegations that THE BOYZ members misrepresented their market value during the initial negotiation process. One Hundred claims that during the signing phase, the members stated they had received an offer of 2 billion won per person from another agency. One Hundred alleges that they matched the high valuation—eventually settling on 1.5 billion—based on this information, which they now believe was a fabrication intended to drive up the price. The agency stated they chose to overlook these discrepancies at the time to protect the artists and foster a healthy working relationship.
This allegation adds a layer of complexity to the 2026 legal proceedings. If the agency can prove that the contract was signed under false pretenses regarding competing offers, it could significantly impact the court’s view of the entire agreement. However, THE BOYZ’s legal team has focused strictly on the post-signing settlement schedule. They argue that the signing bonus is a separate contractual obligation from the quarterly profit distribution. The core of the legal argument for the members is that an advance payment, no matter how large, does not grant an agency the right to withhold or delay the standard settlements earned through the group’s grueling 2026 schedule, which included multiple international tours and commercial endorsements.
“The agency calling it a ‘crazy price’ while also accusing them of lying about other offers makes the relationship look beyond repair. It sounds like they’re trying to guilt the members for standing up for their rights. If they paid it, they paid it. Now pay the rest of the earnings.” — Fan reaction on X (@DeobiLog)
Legal Rebuttals and the ‘False Statement’ Controversy
The tension peaked when Lawyer Kim, representing THE BOYZ, accused One Hundred of releasing a “false official statement” to the press. The dispute over whether a settlement has been “completed” or not is not just a matter of semantics but a central point of the ongoing litigation. The artists’ side expressed concern that the agency is attempting to sway public opinion by painting the members as ungrateful for the large sums already received. According to Kim, the announcement that settlements were finished was a strategic move to mask the reality of the missing 2026 payments.
On the other side, One Hundred maintains that the financial burden of the 16.5 billion won advance has placed a significant strain on the company’s treasury. They argue that the members’ demands for additional settlements, while the company is still recouping the massive initial investment, reflect a lack of understanding of the business’s financial health. The agency’s lawyer suggested that the current conflict is being fueled by “distorted claims” that do not reflect the totality of the financial support provided to the group since they joined the label. This public back-and-forth has created a weary atmosphere for fans who have been following the group’s transition to the new agency over the past year.
A Journalistic Perspective: The Risks of High-Capital Transfers
From a professional reporting standpoint, the situation between THE BOYZ and One Hundred serves as a cautionary tale for the modern K-pop industry. In 2026, we are seeing a trend where established groups move to smaller, capital-rich agencies that promise massive upfront payments. While these deals look lucrative on paper, they often create a high-pressure environment where the agency must achieve immediate and massive profitability to cover the initial outlay. When the expected returns do not materialize as quickly as projected, or when accounting disputes arise, the relationship can sour rapidly, as seen in this case.
The specific mention of the “700 million won threshold” by One Hundred is particularly revealing. It suggests that the agency was aware of the financial risks but chose to gamble on THE BOYZ’s brand power anyway. Now that the gamble has met the reality of quarterly accounting, the friction is inevitable. THE BOYZ are not a rookie group; they have a sophisticated understanding of their worth and their rights. For them, the 1.5 billion won was the price for their brand, not a substitute for their ongoing labor. The resolution of this case will likely set a precedent for how signing bonuses and settlements are treated in future high-profile transfers within the industry.
“I just want to see the members on stage, not in court documents every week. This whole thing feels like the fans are the ones losing out while the lawyers argue over billions. 2026 was supposed to be their biggest year yet.” — Post on DC Inside THE BOYZ Gallery
Public Sentiment and the Impact on THE BOYZ Fandom
The reaction within the fandom, known as THE B, has been deeply divided and increasingly anxious. On community platforms like TheQoo and DC Inside, fans are dissecting every line of the legal statements. Some fans side with the members, arguing that corporate accounting should be transparent and that no amount of upfront money justifies a lack of regular pay. Others expressed shock at the 1.5 billion won figure, noting that such an amount is far beyond what most people earn in a lifetime, leading to some criticism of the members’ perceived lack of patience with the new agency’s financial structure.
Despite the internal debate, the overall sentiment remains one of concern for the group’s future activities. THE BOYZ have been one of the most active groups in the industry, and a prolonged legal battle could lead to a hiatus or a permanent fracture in their relationship with the label. The mention of only nine members being part of the specific lawsuit also raises questions about the internal unity of the 11-member group, although the agency confirmed that the 1.5 billion won was paid to all 11. This discrepancy suggests that while all members may have financial grievances, their legal strategies or willingness to enter a public battle may differ.
The Road Ahead: Potential Outcomes for THE BOYZ in 2026
As the legal proceedings continue in the Seoul Central District Court, the next few months will be critical for both THE BOYZ and One Hundred. If the court finds that the agency did indeed withhold settlements for the latter half of 2026, it could provide grounds for the members to terminate their contracts, citing a breach of trust and financial obligation. Conversely, if the agency successfully argues that the advance payments were structured to offset early settlements or that the contract was signed based on fraudulent claims of competing offers, the members could face significant financial penalties or be forced to remain with the label under unfavorable terms.
Representatives for One Hundred have declined to comment on whether any upcoming promotional schedules for THE BOYZ will be cancelled or postponed due to the litigation. For now, the group remains in a state of professional limbo. The agency has stated they wish to “protect the artists’ activities” despite the conflict, but history shows that such deep financial and legal rifts are rarely resolved without a change in management or a complete restructuring of the group’s business model. SYNC SEOUL will continue to monitor the court filings and official statements as this story develops. No additional details have been released regarding the specific dates for the next round of mediation.
