Kim M’s agency accused of stiffing laundry bills for over 2 years
A major Korean entertainment agency run by first-generation mogul Kim M is under fire for refusing to pay laundry bills despite having the funds.
The June 20 episode of JTBC’s Crime Chief revealed Kim Sung Yoon, owner of a Gangnam laundry business specializing in idol stage costumes, hasn’t been paid for 200 to 300 cleanings for the agency’s ten-member boy group since their debut.
Kim Sung Yoon said he kept working out of trust for the group’s styling team.
Kim Sung Yoon:
“If I refused, their stylists couldn’t do their job.”
But the agency repeatedly delayed payments, then cut off contact altogether.
Kim finally threatened legal action, and the company paid ₩5 million KRW (~$3,640 USD) — only a partial settlement. After that, the agency went silent again.
The agency claimed they “didn’t have any more money,” urging Kim to wait longer. But JTBC uncovered the company is also behind tens of millions of won to styling teams, costume makers, and alteration shops.
The public backlash worsened when news broke the agency just debuted a new idol group, proving they had funding but refused to settle debts.
Under media pressure, the agency called the issue a “bookkeeping error.” A company rep recently said they’ve secured funds and are now paying back what’s owed.
This controversy marks a big stain on Kim M’s agency legacy — trusted for launching top artists in the 1990s but now accused of dodging bills for over two years.
