NU'EST's Ren files injunction to suspend exclusive contract with Big Planet Made Entertainment

Ren (real name Choi Min-ki), a singer and actor best known as a member of NU'EST, has filed an injunction to suspend his exclusive contract with his agency, Big Planet Made Entertainment. He joins a growing list of artists under One Hundred Label — the management group led by CEO Cha Ga-won — who have taken similar legal action, including singers Lee Seung-gi, SHINee's Taemin, EXO's Chen, Baekhyun and Chanyeol, The Boyz and Lee Mu-jin.

Choi recently submitted the injunction application to the Seoul Central District Court through his legal representative, law firm Surim. A hearing has been scheduled for Oct. 12.

Choi said he had been preparing to resume activities after completing his social service duty on June 25, but that the agency failed to assign a dedicated manager or staff for artist and repertoire and public relations, and did not present any concrete activity or production plans.

Big Planet Made is a label under One Hundred, which is led by CEO Cha Ga-won.

Choi's side said that immediately after his discharge, they met with Cha and his representatives to hear about plans for future activity support and monitored the company's situation, but ultimately concluded that no meaningful support materialized, damaging the trust between the two parties.

On Aug. 25, Choi's representatives sent the agency a certified letter demanding it remedy the alleged contract violations, requesting the assignment of dedicated staff, a future activity plan, settlement-related documents and materials that could confirm the company's business viability. The response was reportedly unsatisfactory.

According to Choi's side, the company's representative replied that no employees remained and that no handover of existing duties had taken place, making it difficult to provide settlement records or related documents.

Cha also reportedly conveyed through a representative that Choi should pay a penalty fee for the remaining contract period and terminate the agreement.

Choi's side ultimately concluded that the company was attempting to maintain the binding force of the contract while being unable to carry out normal management duties, and decided to pursue legal action.

Choi debuted with NU'EST in 2012 and has been active as a solo singer and actor since the group concluded its activities in 2022. He entered social service in September 2024 to fulfill his mandatory military duty.