[Dispatch=Reporter Gu Min-ji] Singer Kim Jun-su's agency has drawn a line over the controversy involving freelance producer A. The agency's stance is that A's criminal case is a personal matter and has no connection to the artist.

Hwang Yu-bin, CEO of XYNC, claimed that A held a songwriting camp under the pretext of producing Kim Jun-su's album and committed theft and virtual asset theft. The agency also raised the issue, stating it has management and supervisory responsibility.

Palmtree Island stated to 'Dispatch' on the 26th, "A is indeed a freelance producer. However, his criminal case is a personal matter," adding "It has no relation whatsoever to our company and the affiliated artist."

The agency and Kim Jun-su became aware of the case last month. They learned of it through a content-certified mail from CEO Hwang. After confirming the facts, Palmtree ended all collaboration with A. Currently, A is not involved in any work whatsoever.

The agency also explained the circumstances of learning about the case late. "From the work period last year until receiving the content-certified mail in May last month, we did not receive any explanation or problem raising from (CEO Hwang) regarding this matter," it added.

The agency also denied any connection with the songwriting camp. It was carried out without discussion with the artist and agency. "Our company was not involved in any process including planning, operating, recruiting, or conducting the songwriting camp," it corrected.

The agency stated that it followed the standard work process. "It is true that we reviewed the lyric draft transmitted through the publishing company. The lyric draft from the lyricist side claiming damages and related work was not reflected in the album at all," it said.

CEO Hwang is also questioning the agency's responsibility. Palmtree expressed, "A's individual crime cannot be connected to our company and the affiliated artist merely because A participated in music work."

Lastly, it stated, "We find it very regrettable that an individual's criminal case is being connected to our company and affiliated artist, causing misunderstanding. If content different from the facts continues to be circulated, we plan to consider legal action."

Meanwhile, CEO Hwang claimed that A stole his mobile phone at the songwriting camp in June last year and then accessed a virtual asset exchange to steal tens of millions of won worth of assets. Currently, A is on trial on charges of theft and fraud.

<Photo source=Palmtree Island>