Seoul, Sept. 30 -- From Fifty Fifty and EXO-CBX to NewJeans, the ever-popular K-pop scene has recently been overshadowed by tampering disputes that insiders warn could shake the foundation of the industry.

Tampering, in K-pop, refers to unauthorized contact by an outside party - typically a rival agency or producer - with an artist still bound by an exclusive contract.

While such cases were sometimes overlooked in the past, the massive investments required to launch an idol group, and the increased rewards that come with the industry's growth, have made a quiet settlement an increasingly tall order.

Fifty Fifty dispute sets precedent

The most high-profile case erupted with girl group Fifty Fifty, who rose to global fame in 2023 with t...