What’s Happening With CJ Chairman Lee Jay-hyun?
On the day of BOYS II PLANET’s live finale, a bombshell report is shaking up K-pop circles. Lee Jay-hyun, chairman of CJ Group—the media conglomerate behind Mnet—has landed in hot water again over reports of a secret party involving adult entertainment workers, online streamers from AfreecaTV, and social media influencers.
This isn’t Lee’s first scandal. Back in 2012, he reportedly hosted exclusive gatherings known as “CJ parties,” inviting celebrities and spending tens of millions of won (equivalent to tens of thousands of dollars) on alcohol in a single night.
Fans Furious as the Timing Sparks Outrage
The backlash is intense—and growing. Many netizens feel the timing couldn’t be worse. Mnet’s latest idol survival show, BOYS II PLANET, airs its final episode tonight, capping off a two-month journey that’s seen fierce competition and fan-driven voting. The winning boy group will be managed by CJ, raising concerns among fans about the integrity of the debut platform.
“So we spend money on votes, and this is how CJ spends ours?” one user fumed. Others chimed in with, “Of all days, why today?” and “Is this really the right label for these guys to debut under?”
Stock Prices Tumble as CJ Stays Silent
The scandal is already hitting the company where it hurts—its stock price. CJ Corporation dipped by 7,500 KRW (around $5.50 USD), closing at 184,000 KRW. CJ ENM, the entertainment arm behind Mnet, also saw losses of 2,200 KRW, finishing at 75,500 KRW.
Despite the uproar, CJ ENM responded with a cold shoulder: “We have no particular comment on the matter.”
Why This Matters for K-pop’s Future
With the final lineup of BOYS II PLANET about to be revealed and the debut team stepping into the spotlight, fans are questioning the ethics behind the curtain. The scandal doesn’t just taint the moment—it casts a long shadow over CJ’s role in tomorrow’s K-pop stars.
Whether or not this controversy will linger as the group takes center stage remains to be seen. But one thing’s certain: in K-pop, timing is everything—and this one couldn’t be more dramatic.
