Omega X to Terminate Exclusive Contract With Spire Entertainment

K-pop boy group Omega X are seeking to terminate their exclusive contract with Spire Entertainment. The group announced their decision during a press conference held at the Seoul Bar Association building in Southern Seoul on November 16, where they addressed the local press. The meeting was also streamed for fans on the group's new Instagram account, @omega_x__for_x, which they shared on their own following a slew of accusations of abuse against Spire Entertainment's now ex-CEO.

The 11 members of the group — Jaehan, Hwichan, Sebin, Hangyeom, Taedong, Xen, Jehyun, Kevin, Jung-hoon, Hyuk, and Yechan — were present during the conference alongside their legal representatives, attorneys Noh Jongeon and Seo Jooyeon from Law Firm S, JoongAngDaily reported. 

Aside from announcing the termination of their contracts with the company, Omega X is also seeking legal action for "verbal, physical, and sexual abuse," as reported by the publication. 

As noted by The Korea Herald, during the conference, Omega X's leader Jaehan said the only reason the members had put up with the alleged abuse was because they feared they "would lose our last chance." (Omega X debuted in 2021 with members who had previously already debuted in different formations). "We also believed we had to endure for our fans," Jaehan reportedly added. "But it has come to a stage where we cannot tolerate it, and we're taking the courage for everyone who is also suffering from unfair treatment and for everyone who is striving for their dreams."

During the conference, the members also detailed the assaults they alleged they were subject to by Spire Entertainment's ex-CEO, who they referred to only by surname, Kang. "She not only forced us to drink after our practices, but she made sexually harassing comments and touched our thighs and faces, persistently abusing us sexually. Even when such meetings were over, she would continuously call and text us and verbally assault us," Jaehan reportedly said per Korea Herald. Member Hangyeom also added that they were threatened with not releasing new music if any of the members turned down the offers. Some of the members have also reportedly received psychiatric help as a result of their experience.

"Omega X will not give up since we've come such a long way," Jaehan reportedly said during the conference. "We want to protect all 11 of our members, and we want to perform on stage together again. That is our plan for the future."  

Accusations against Spire Entertainment's ex-CEO first arose back in late October. In early November, the then-CEO stepped down from the company. "First of all, we deeply apologize to all Omega X members, families, fans, and everyone whose feelings were hurt by an unfortunate event that has happened recently," the company announced in a statement shared on the group's fancafe, per a translation by Soompi. "Spire Entertainment takes the full responsibility and announce that the CEO who's responsible for this matter has resigned. We'd also like to apologize for not responding well and disappointing many fans with inadequate response to the situation."

News of the CEO's resignation came just a day after the members of Omega X opened their own Instagram account independently of Spire. "We created this small space for communication because we wanted to thank the fans who love us and the people who are cheering us on, and we also wanted to directly inform you of the current situation with our own mouths," the group wrote in their first post, also translated by Soompi. 

"Under pressure from Spire Entertainment, we —the members of [OMEGA X]—previously signed an agreement that 'if we upload posts to social media without consulting the company, we will have to take both civil and criminal legal responsibility,'" the members shared. "We ask for your understanding in regards to the fact that even though we wanted to resume communicating with our fans as soon as possible, we had to be cautious until we had figured out our position on Spire Entertainment."

In their letter to fans, Omega X opened up about their "happy" and "painful times" since their debut and the conundrum they faced after their situation became public. "We were worried that everything we've accomplished up until now would evaporate and go up in smoke. However, we have now decided to put our fears behind us and muster courage together," the statement reads. "The only thing that gave us the strength not to give up on our dreams and to take on a new challenge was the fans who wait for us, believe in us, and cheer us on."

Spire Entertainment is yet to publicly comment on new allegations raised in the November 16 press conference.