Yena's agency apologizes to fans for poor communication

Singer Yena during a showcase held on Jan. 16, 2023 [YUE HUA ENTERTAINMENT]

Singer Yena's agency Yue Hua Entertainment apologized to the singer's fans on Saturday night for not having shared information about the singer's activities after her latest track, "Hate Rodrigo," came under fire for using an existing person's name and ideas without permission.

"We bow our heads deep down for not being able to inform you about the artist's album and activities, regarding Yena's second single 'Hate XX' released on June 27," the agency wrote on the official fan site on Saturday.

"We humbly accept all the criticism from fans. We promise to show fans that we heed the different opinions and try harder."

The agency finished by asking for fans' support for her future but did not elaborate further.

Yena's latest track, "Hate Rodrigo," was criticized for its reference to U.S. singer Olivia Rodrigo and her songs in the music video, without asking permission to do so from Rodrigo herself.

The music video was taken down just two days after release and Yena canceled a scheduled appearance on channel MBC's music program on July 1, four days after the song's release. Since then, neither the agency nor the singer has made a statement on her future activities or development with the song.

Yena debuted in 2018 through IZ*ONE, a group comprised of 12 winners of Mnet’s hit audition program “Produce 48.” IZ*ONE disbanded in April 2020 when the members' contracts concluded. She made a solo debut in January last year.

BY YOON SO-YEON [yoon.soyeon@joongang.co.kr]