Laboum’s Agency Denies Accusations Of Album Sales Manipulation
The girls of Laboum just can't catch a break. Following the controversy surrounding their 1st win on Music Bank last Friday for their comeback track 'Hwi Hwi', accusations of album sales manipulation are now being thrown at the girl group.
After Music Bank released a statement regarding Laboum's win against IU and claiming Laboum won justly according to the show's criteria, netizens are now accusing Laboum's label of manipulating album sales. Doubters are speculating that the girl group's album sales of 28,000 are mostly due to manipulation.
The accusations began after netizens noticed an unusually high jump in the number of Laboum's album sales when compared to their previous ones. The first-week sales of their previous mini album were only 900, totaling only to 3,000. This then prompted 'sajaegi' rumors to spread. For those who are unfamiliar, 'sajaegi' is a Korean term used when music labels or agencies buy albums of their own artists to boost sales and to increase the possibility of the artists ranking higher in the top charts.
On May 2, Laboum's agency, Globe H Media, responded to the claims. In a press release, the agency stated that the mini album sales of "Miss This Kiss" are not manipulated and that they will be taking legal action against the individuals who started the rumors.
The agency said, "In February, Laboum signed a two-year contract as models of a franchise. The franchise has more than 500 locations in Korea and also has locations in Southeast Asia. The advertiser for the franchise purchased albums fairly through the distributor to use for promotional events at locations in both Korea and foreign countries."
The agency closed their statement by reiterating that the girls worked hard to be where they are now. Globe H continued, "The Laboum members have spent the past several years working hard to become a top girl group, and we do not wish for their efforts to be downplayed through the condemnation and insults they have received due to the manipulation accusations."
