오메가엑스 (OMEGA X)

Abuse allegations and lawsuit against Spire and YouTuber

On October 24, 2022, a video was leaked showing the CEO of Spire Entertainment physically and verbally abusing members of the group as one of them faints.^[1] On the same day, Spire Entertainment released a statement claiming that both Omega X and the label had "resolved all their misunderstandings" while the CEO denied any abuse having taken place.^[2][3] The following day, SBS shared a new video taken by a fan showing the CEO verbally abusing the members outside a concert venue, with one member undergoing a panic attack.^[4][5]

On November 5, the group created a new Instagram separate from the label, where they announced their intentions to continue as a group and communicate with their fans.^[6][7] On November 7, Spire released another apology in response to the Instagram post by Omega X, as well as announcing the resignation of the company's CEO to prevent future incidents.^[8] On November 11, SBS revealed more allegations against the company such as them forcing the group to perform despite testing positive for COVID-19, and a new video of the initial yelling incident, revealing that the CEO yelled at the members for not properly thanking her or the company during their live concert. The company only issued a brief statement reaffirming the earlier apology and resignation of the CEO.^[9][10]

On November 14, it was announced that a press conference would be held with the members on November 16 for a special announcement.^[11] Ahead of the press conference the group filed a trademark for their name as well as the fanbase, For X.^[12] It was also revealed by their legal representative that the group suffered assault, intimidation, sexual harassment, gaslighting, and other forms of abuse.^[13] During the press conference, it was announced that Omega X would be filing a lawsuit to terminate their contracts against Spire Entertainment.^[14][15]

On January 11, 2023, Omega X announced that they had won their lawsuit and their contracts with Spire were suspended.^[16]

On August 21, IPQ released a statement denying allegations made on Omega X by YouTuber In Ji-woong and announced legal response against both In and Spire Entertainment for defamation, as well as legal action against Spire for breach of contract, mental and physical abuse against Omega X members. Lawyer Noh Jong-eon, the group's legal representative, stated on August 28 that they filed a lawsuit against Spire for sexual harassment and that they planned to hold a press conference.^[17] Meanwhile, member Yechan's father also filed a complaint against the YouTuber for spreading false information.^[18]

1. "K-pop label CEO accused of verbally and physically abusing members of boy group Omega X". Yahoo! News. October 27, 2022. Archived from the original on January 12, 2023. Retrieved November 3, 2022.
2. "[공식] 오메가엑스 측, 소속사 대표 폭행설에 "모든 오해 풀었다"(전문)" (in Korean). October 24, 2022. Archived from the original on January 12, 2023. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
3. Gladys Yeo (October 25, 2022). "OMEGA X's agency responds to allegations CEO mistreated members: "They have resolved all their misunderstandings"". NME. Archived from the original on January 12, 2023. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
4. Choi Ji-won (October 25, 2022). "More claims, footage of assault against Omega X members by agency CEO revealed". The Korea Herald. Archived from the original on January 12, 2023. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
5. "Omega X Reportedly Experienced Verbal Abuse From Agency CEO". Teen Vogue. October 26, 2022. Archived from the original on January 12, 2023. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
6. "Omega X Statement". Instagram. November 5, 2022. Archived from the original on November 7, 2022. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
7. Ayushi Agrawal (November 6, 2022). "OMEGA X opens new Instagram account to share update with fans following CEO's abuse controversy". Pinkvilla. Archived from the original on November 7, 2022. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
8. "'폭행 논란' 오메가엑스 소속사 "책임 통감..대표 자진 사퇴" [전문]". Star News (in Korean). November 8, 2022. Archived from the original on November 7, 2022. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
9. Angela Patricia Suacillo (November 11, 2022). "New allegations of OMEGA X's mistreatment under SPIRE Entertainment surface". NME. Archived from the original on November 11, 2022. Retrieved November 11, 2022.
10. "[단독] 오메가엑스 "죽을 만큼 힘들었다"...또 드러난 갑질 의혹". SBS (in Korean). November 11, 2022. Archived from the original on November 11, 2022. Retrieved November 11, 2022.
11. "'소속사 대표 폭행‧폭언 논란' 오메가엑스, 직접 입 연다 [공식입장]" (in Korean). November 13, 2022. Archived from the original on November 14, 2022. Retrieved November 14, 2022.
12. ""오메가엑스 꼭 지켜낼게요"...상표권 신청→긴급 기자회견 [엑's 이슈]" (in Korean). November 14, 2022. Archived from the original on November 14, 2022. Retrieved November 14, 2022.
13. ""오메가엑스 사태, 젊은이들 꿈 볼모로 권력 우위 이용한 사건"" (in Korean). November 14, 2022. Archived from the original on November 15, 2022. Retrieved November 15, 2022.
14. ""성추행+폭행+협박" 오메가엑스, 눈물로 알린 충격 피해사례 [종합]". MBC (in Korean). November 15, 2022. Archived from the original on November 16, 2022. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
15. "K-pop group Omega X ends contract with agency following alleged abuse, reports say". ABS-CBN News. November 16, 2022.
16. Chakraborty, Riddhi (January 11, 2023). "Omega X Win Lawsuit Against Label, Contracts Suspended". Rolling Stone India. Archived from the original on January 12, 2023. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
17. "[단독]'피프티 불똥' 오메가엑스, 전 소속사 대표 성추행 혐의 고소". n.news.naver.com (in Korean). Retrieved January 30, 2024.
18. "[단독] 오메가엑스 예찬 父, 유튜버 인지웅 허위사실 유포로 고소". n.news.naver.com (in Korean). Retrieved January 30, 2024.