Article : MC Mong Slams SM Entertainment… ‘Should I Release the Recordings?’
Source : Star News via Nate
The K-pop industry is once again witnessing a power struggle, this time involving MC Mong and SM Entertainment. On March 5, MC Mong publicly criticized SM Entertainment, accusing them of blocking artists from appearing on major broadcast programs. His statements followed INB100’s claim that EXO’s Xiumin was barred from KBS’s ‘Music Bank’ due to SM’s influence.
MC Mong, a rapper and producer with a controversial past, alleged that SM Entertainment manipulates the industry, abuses power, and prevents former artists from appearing on music shows. He even hinted at possessing recorded evidence against the company. His comments came after Xiumin, who left SM to join INB100, faced difficulties promoting his comeback.
Korean Reactions
Many Korean commenters were quick to dismiss MC Mong’s accusations, bringing up his past controversies rather than addressing his claims about SM Entertainment.
“His image is already ruined. No one trusts what he says.” (👍 1,958, 👎 72)
“Why is he acting like a victim? He’s been involved in so many scandals himself.” (👍 1,560, 👎 61)
“I don’t support SM, but MC Mong has no credibility either.” (👍 1,381, 👎 51)
Some, however, acknowledged that SM has a history of blacklisting former artists, and that the allegations shouldn’t be ignored just because MC Mong is involved.
“We all know SM does shady things, but MC Mong calling them out feels ironic.” (👍 1,200, 👎 43)
“Even if the messenger is questionable, that doesn’t mean the message is false.” (👍 980, 👎 32)
“CBX probably expected this treatment after leaving SM.” (👍 850, 👎 25)
Source: Nate Comments
International Reactions
International fans had mixed opinions, with some agreeing that SM Entertainment has used blacklisting tactics before, while others remained skeptical of MC Mong’s credibility.
“SM is powerful enough to blacklist artists. This has happened before with JYJ and others.” (👍 2,500)
“If MC Mong has proof, why not release it instead of making vague threats?” (👍 1,850)
“SM and MC Mong both seem shady. I don’t know who to believe.” (👍 1,600)
Others were more focused on the impact this might have on EXO members Xiumin, Baekhyun, and Chen, who are now associated with INB100.
“This could seriously hurt CBX’s careers. They should have been more careful.” (👍 1,400)
“I just want Xiumin to promote his music without drama.” (👍 1,200)
“The real victims are the artists who get caught in these industry battles.” (👍 1,000)
Source: Reddit Comments
Korean and International Reactions Compared
differently based on how they perceive MC Mong and SM Entertainment:
Korean netizens focused on MC Mong’s reputation, seeing him as an unreliable figure due to his past scandals, including draft evasion.
International fans emphasized SM Entertainment’s history of controlling the industry, pointing to past blacklisting cases.
Both groups questioned the credibility of the claims, with some believing MC Mong is using this controversy for attention.
This dispute once again highlights the power dynamics in the K-pop industry, where major agencies hold significant influence over broadcasting and artist opportunities. Whether MC Mong will release actual evidence remains uncertain, but the debate over corporate influence in entertainment continues.
