Content Warning: This article contains descriptions of sexual assault and alleged abuse that may be disturbing to some readers.

Warsaw, Poland & Seoul, South Korea – June 18, 2026 – A burgeoning K-Pop music festival, SOUND IN COLORS: K-POP EXPO, scheduled to take place in Poland, is facing significant backlash and calls for a boycott following renewed attention to deeply disturbing allegations of sexual assault and grooming involving an underage member of the K-Pop group MADEIN and their agency’s CEO. The controversy has escalated beyond the group’s existing fanbase, drawing in non-fans and advocates for victim support, who are demanding accountability and a reassessment of the group’s inclusion in the international event.

The allegations, which first surfaced in November 2024, center on a former member of the now-diminished girl group MADEIN. While initial reports were anonymized, rapid speculation and subsequent revelations pointed towards Gaeun, a then-minor, as the alleged victim of sexual assault perpetrated by her agency’s CEO. The situation has since been compounded by further disturbing reports of alleged harassment directed at another member of the group by the same executive. This unfolding scandal has cast a dark shadow over the group’s activities and has now spilled over into the international K-Pop community, jeopardizing the success of the Polish expo.

The Genesis of the Scandal: Allegations Against MADEIN’s CEO

The K-Pop industry, known for its rigorous training systems and intense debut schedules, has unfortunately seen its share of scandals. However, the allegations surrounding MADEIN and its CEO have particularly resonated due to the alleged involvement of a minor and the disturbing nature of the accusations.

In November 2024, reports began to circulate about a serious incident involving a member of a rising K-Pop group. While the group and the victim were not immediately identified, the industry’s close-knit nature and the timeline of events quickly led to speculation. Sources close to the situation, speaking anonymously at the time, hinted at a deeply distressing situation involving exploitation and abuse.

Shortly after these initial whispers, it was confirmed that Gaeun had abruptly exited MADEIN. This departure, initially attributed to personal reasons, was later understood by many to be a direct consequence of the alleged assault. The subsequent, and more concerning, revelation that another member of MADEIN had also reportedly faced harassment from the same CEO painted a grim picture of the agency’s leadership and its alleged disregard for the well-being of its young artists.

A Fractured Group and Lingering Questions

The aftermath of these allegations saw MADEIN undergo significant structural changes. The group, which had initially debuted with a larger lineup, saw its Korean members become increasingly inactive. The group attempted to continue with a reduced lineup, rebranding as MADEIN S. However, reports suggest that even this iteration was short-lived, with the remaining Korean members seemingly being removed from the group altogether. This suggests a deep crisis within the agency and a significant impact on the careers and mental well-being of the remaining members, regardless of their direct involvement in the alleged assaults.

The agency, identified as 143 Entertainment, has faced intense scrutiny and criticism for its handling of the situation. While specific details of any internal investigations or legal proceedings remain largely private, the public perception is one of a company that may have attempted to contain the damage rather than address the root causes of the allegations. The lack of transparency has only fueled further distrust and outrage among fans and the broader public.

SOUND IN COLORS: K-POP EXPO Becomes the Focal Point of Public Outcry

The latest development in this unfolding drama came with the announcement of MADEIN’s inclusion in SOUND IN COLORS: K-POP EXPO, a significant K-Pop event set to be held in Poland. The festival, which aims to showcase a diverse range of Korean artists, was initially met with anticipation. However, this excitement was quickly overshadowed by renewed calls for a boycott.

As news of MADEIN’s participation spread, social media platforms were inundated with messages from fans and concerned individuals urging attendees and organizers to reconsider. The core of the protest lies in the principle of not supporting artists or groups associated with an agency facing such grave allegations, especially when the alleged perpetrator remains in a position of power.

"ateez in poland is great but boycotting for the sake of madein and ikon is more important your morals should be bigger than your need to see a group that will come back," tweeted one user, highlighting the broader sentiment that ethical considerations should supersede the desire to see specific performers. This sentiment is echoed by many who believe that attending the event would be tantamount to condoning the alleged actions of MADEIN’s CEO and the agency’s response.

Another user implored, "to anyone thinking about it please don’t attend this event in accordance with the madein boycott." This plea underscores the organized nature of the boycott efforts, with dedicated social media campaigns aiming to inform the public and mobilize opposition.

The hashtag #BoycottMADEIN and similar calls to action have been trending, with many users sharing threads detailing the allegations and urging others to sign petitions and contact event organizers. A particularly poignant message stated, "if you do one productive thing while scrolling today, ask for the removal of madein from this lineup!!!!!!! there has been an ongoing boycott after the grooming and sexual assault of an underage member by their ceo/producer, we aren’t a big fanbase so we need your help." This highlights the perceived power imbalance, with smaller fanbases relying on broader public support to amplify their concerns.

The allegations are further detailed in online threads that provide a chronological account of events, evidence shared by alleged victims and their supporters, and the perceived failures of the agency to adequately address the crisis. One such thread explicitly states, "madein??? there is an active boycott against them bc their ceo sa’d gaeun one of the members who’s not in the group anymore and their company tried to cover it up, please read this thread before thinking of going."

Supporting Data and Public Sentiment

The boycott movement is not solely driven by the initial allegations but also by the broader context of K-Pop culture and the increasing demand for transparency and accountability within the industry. The alleged grooming and sexual assault of an underage member by a figure in a position of authority is a deeply concerning issue that resonates with many, extending beyond the K-Pop fandom.

The public’s reaction, as evidenced by social media discourse, indicates a growing awareness of the potential for exploitation within the entertainment industry. The fact that non-fans are also participating in the boycott suggests that the severity of the allegations has transcended the typical boundaries of fandom. This widespread disapproval poses a significant threat to the SOUND IN COLORS: K-POP EXPO, potentially impacting ticket sales, sponsorships, and the overall reputation of the event.

The presence of MADEIN on the festival lineup, without any apparent action taken by the organizers to address the allegations, has been interpreted by many as a sign of indifference or a prioritization of commercial interests over ethical concerns. This perception is a key driver of the boycott’s momentum.

Official Responses and the Path Forward

As of the publication of this article, there has been no official statement from the organizers of SOUND IN COLORS: K-POP EXPO regarding the boycott and the allegations against MADEIN. Similarly, MADEIN’s agency, 143 Entertainment, has maintained a largely silent stance since the initial reports, offering minimal clarification or public apology. This lack of direct engagement from the parties involved is likely to further inflame the situation.

The situation presents a critical juncture for both the K-Pop industry and international event organizers. The demands for accountability are clear: a thorough investigation into the allegations, transparent communication from the agency, and a commitment to protecting young artists.

The organizers of SOUND IN COLORS: K-POP EXPO face a difficult decision. They can either stand by their current lineup, risking significant public backlash and potential financial losses, or they can take a decisive stance by removing MADEIN from the event, thereby acknowledging the gravity of the allegations and aligning themselves with ethical principles.

The implications of this boycott extend beyond the immediate event. It serves as a stark reminder to the K-Pop industry that the era of sweeping scandals under the rug is drawing to a close. Fans and the global public are increasingly demanding ethical conduct, transparency, and a safe environment for all artists, especially minors. The outcome of this situation in Poland could set a precedent for how similar crises are handled in the future, potentially influencing the industry’s commitment to safeguarding its most vulnerable talents.

As the date of the SOUND IN COLORS: K-POP EXPO approaches, the pressure on all parties involved is mounting. The boycott movement, fueled by a desire for justice and accountability, continues to gain traction, underscoring the profound impact that allegations of sexual assault can have on the global entertainment landscape. The industry, and its stakeholders, are being watched closely to see how they will respond to these urgent calls for change.