[Official] 'Dream High 2' prodigy Youngjae's "unpaid appearance fee" controversy, one year later... "Settlement completed"

*This content was translated by AI.

Art One Company, the production company behind 'Dream High Season 2', has finally paid appearance fees to Youngjae, a member of the boy group GOT7.

On the 3rd, Art One Company stated, "We have completed mutual verification and negotiations with Youngjae regarding the settlement of his appearance fee for 'Dream High Season 2' and have finalized all related settlements."

It further explained, "In addition to Youngjae, we conducted a comprehensive re-examination of payment status for all actors, dancers, and staff who participated in 'Dream High Season 2'. For those confirmed as eligible for settlement, payments have been completed or procedures are underway following negotiations."

Previously, last June, Youngjae posted a lengthy message on his personal SNS, saying, "I was told everything would be settled by June 9th, but it still hasn't been resolved even today," publicly criticizing Art One Company.

Youngjae had filed a lawsuit against the production company of the musical 'Dream High Season 2' last January. Although he performed on stage for 'Dream High Season 2' from April to July last year, he did not receive his appearance fee even after the performances ended. Furthermore, rumors arose that the production company might be using unpaid fees from actors to fund 'Dream High Season 3', which was announced while the issue of unpaid fees remained unresolved.

In response, Youngjae said, "By August, it will have been nearly a year since the settlement was not completed," and appealed, "How do you think people feel when they see this post, given that I haven't even received my rightful appearance fee? Also, please stop saying that payments are being made when only small portions of the originally due amounts are being paid incrementally." He tagged both Art One Company, the production company, and its representative Kim Eun-ha's official account.

Youngjae also stated, "In my view, the amount being paid is far from what can be considered a settlement. Did I ask for money unfairly? I wanted to resolve this amicably. However, I do not believe we are the ones who made the situation uncomfortable," raising his voice against the production company of 'Dream High Season 2'.

Youngjae entered military service in November last year and is currently serving as a social service agent.

- Below is the full official statement from Art One Company.

Hello, this is Art One Company.

First, we sincerely apologize to all audience members who cherished and supported last season's musical 'Dream High Season 2', as well as to all staff involved at the time, for causing significant concern regarding the issue of unpaid appearance fees.

Regarding the settlement of Youngjae's appearance fee for 'Dream High Season 2', we have completed mutual verification and negotiations with him personally and have finalized all related settlements.

Additionally, we conducted a comprehensive re-examination of payment status not only for actor Youngjae but also for all actors, dancers, and staff who participated in 'Dream High Season 2'. For those confirmed as eligible for settlement, payments have been completed or procedures are underway following negotiations.

Furthermore, if any settlement items were missed during our review or require individual additional verification, we will conduct thorough examinations and complete settlements responsibly.

We take this matter seriously and will do our utmost to prevent similar incidents from recurring through more rigorous management and responsible operations in the future.

We also extend our deepest gratitude to all actors and staff of 'Dream High Season 3: Reboot', who continue to support and work with us despite difficult circumstances.

Moving forward, Art One Company will thoroughly inspect and improve its settlement and production systems to ensure we can return with better performances as a responsible organization.

Thank you.

August 3, 2026

Art One Company Dream

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*This content was translated by AI.