Pop Group Unleashes Protest With Break-Up

Fans of pop idols H.O.T held a demonstration Monday in front of the headquarters of SM Entertainment in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul, protesting the break-up of the group.

Three members of the pop quintet announced Sunday that they will not renew their contracts with the production company.

During the demonstration some of the teenagers threw rocks and broke four of the building's windows. A 16-year-old demonstrator said they believe SM executives were responsible for the dissolution of the group.

Fans of the group posted scores of notices on the fan club's Web site and press Web sites, expressing disbelief and sorrow over the break-up of their favorite group.

Many fans criticized the insincere attitude of SM Entertainment regarding the break-up. One fan even suggested that the fan club raise money to buy the rights to the group's name from SM.

An associate of the entertainment company said he regrets the decision of the three members to leave the company. He said they had not given any indication of their unhappiness with the company or their contracts.

He added that a decision on the future of H.O.T, including whether or not the group will recruit new members, would be made when one of the two remaining members returns from a trip to Japan.

He added that the rights to the group name H.O.T do belong to SM.

The two remaining members of the group reportedly have one year left on their contracts.

H.O.T. is a top group, selling more than one million copies for each of their five albums over five years.

by Kim Hyun-kyung