16-Year-Old Rising Star Files Lawsuits Against Agency Over Unpaid Fees

Teen trot singer Kim Dahyun has filed a lawsuit against her former agency for unpaid settlement fees.

On February 4, 2026 (KST), Kim Dahyun’s representatives released an official statement, saying, “Despite repeatedly requesting settlement payments from the former agency, nTRO Entertainment, since November of last year, the agency failed to pay Kim Dahyun’s appearance fees, event earnings, and other income starting from the September–October 2025 settlement period. At this point, it has become difficult to expect any further meaningful discussion.” The statement continued, “In order to protect the emotional stability and rights of a young teenage artist, we had no choice but to proceed with legal action.”

Accordingly, in late January, Kim Dahyun filed an application for a court payment order for the unpaid settlement amount and initiated asset-seizure proceedings at the Seoul Central District Court. Earlier this month, they also submitted a criminal complaint to the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul, accusing the agency’s executives of fraud and embezzlement.

Her legal representative, Law Firm Inuiro, stated, “These measures are not intended to defame any individual or escalate conflict, but are an unavoidable choice made to protect rightful compensation and legal rights.”

Kim Dahyun previously signed an exclusive contract with nTRO Entertainment in 2024. According to her, after terminating the contract due to a breach and a breakdown in trust, she joined her current company in November of last year and has continued her career as a singer.

Kim Dahyun was born on February 23, 2009, and is currently 16 years old. She debuted in 2020 and gained widespread popularity after appearing on Miss Trot 2, which concluded in 2021, where she placed third overall.

Listen to Kim Dahyun’s latest release here: