Jessi’s Contract Terminated by DOD Entertainment Amid Fan Assault Scandal

SEOUL: Rapper-singer Jessi's contract with DOD Entertainment was terminated on Friday following an incident where a fan was assaulted by an individual accompanying her. The termination was requested by Jessi and took effect on October 18, 2024, after a mutual agreement with the agency. According to Yonhap News Agency, the decision came after "extensive discussions" between Jessi and DOD Entertainment. The agency stated, "We had extensive discussions with Jessi, and after much consideration, we decided to terminate the contract at her request as of Oct. 18, 2024." The incident that led to this decision involved an 18-year-old fan who claimed he was hit in the face by a man with Jessi after he had asked the artist for a photo and was declined on the night of September 29 in southern Seoul. The Korean American artist, who had only joined DOD Entertainment last month following the end of her contract with More Vision, was summoned for questioning earlier this week regarding the assault. The agency expressed reg ret over the incident, stating, "We apologize again for causing concern with this bad news." Jessi's career transition from More Vision to DOD Entertainment was brief, with her previous agency founded by American rapper and singer Jay Park in 2022. This recent controversy and her subsequent contract termination mark a significant setback in her professional journey.