[Dispatch=Reporter Kim So-jung] Ai-jjing (13), a member of rookie group 'A2O LITE', has been embroiled in controversy over her mother's debt issues. Ai-jjing's mother acknowledged allegations of unpaid employee wages and apologized. However, she appealed for criticism of her daughter to stop.
Ai-jjing's mother posted a statement on Weibo on the 14th. "I sincerely apologize for causing concern with recent matters related to me," she began.
Ai-jjing's parents operated the education company 'Beijing Sophis Education Technology Co., Ltd.' in China. However, as management conditions deteriorated, all former employees were not paid their wages. The company has currently ceased operations.
The mother repeatedly apologized to the victims. "Regardless of any objective circumstances, my failure to pay the promised amount on time is a mistake I must acknowledge and take responsibility for," she said.
She is currently in communication with those affected. "I am in contact with each person and discussing solutions," and "I will not shirk responsibility and will see it through to the end until all issues are resolved," she promised.
However, she drew a line, stating this is separate from Ai-jjing. "The responsibility for this incident is one parents should bear," she emphasized, adding "My child has no connection to the business I previously operated or related disputes."
'A2O LITE' is the first girl group produced by producer Lee Soo-man after his departure from SM. It debuted spectacularly on the 13th, drawing public attention. The title track 'Neon' took over the SNS algorithm in just one day with its intense beat and high-difficulty performance.
The group consists of nine members: Young (17, Korea), Oa (13, U.S./Japan), Ayoon (13, Korea), Ai-jjing (13, China), Himeki (17, Japan), Rada (15, Thailand), Siri (15, China), Bora (16, Korea), and Mercy (15, China).
In particular, Ai-jjing generated buzz from her debut. This was due to her visuals and dancing skills reminiscent of BoA's early debut days. However, allegations of her parents' wage non-payment emerged in China, and she became the target of public criticism instead.
The company was represented by Ai-jjing's mother, with her father as auditor. According to employees' claims, they experienced wage non-payment from 2024 onward. Ai-jjing's parents agreed to installment payment, but allegedly defaulted within three months.
Nevertheless, the response remains strong. 'A2O LITE' has currently ranked high on major music charts. 'Neon' ranked 1st on Melon's 'Top 100' chart and 1st on the 'Hot 100' chart at 11 p.m. that day.
<Below is the full statement from Ai-jjing's mother>
Hello. I am Ai-jjing's mother.
I sincerely apologize for causing concern to all of you with recent matters related to me.
I previously operated a business related to education, but as management conditions deteriorated sharply, the company fell into serious financial difficulties, which led to debt disputes. Regardless of any objective circumstances, my failure to pay the amount owed on time is a mistake I must acknowledge and take responsibility for. I deeply apologize to all those who have been harmed by this.
I have continuously tried to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. However, after the company faced a management crisis, compounded by changes in the industry's business environment, the issue was not resolved as initially expected. I am currently contacting each related party individually to discuss solutions and continue communicating. I will not shirk responsibility and will see it through to the end until all issues are resolved.
The responsibility for this incident is one my parents should bear and appropriately resolve. My child has no connection whatsoever to the business I previously operated or related disputes.
Once again, I sincerely apologize to all those who have been harmed. For matters that remain unresolved, I will do my best to continue resolving them and fulfill the responsibility I must bear.
<Photo=Dispatch DB>
