The agency of rookie K-pop boy band AHOF has rejected fan requests for the group to participate in two original soundtrack (OST) projects, saying the campaigns were launched without prior consultation or approval from the company.
Fans of the group, known as FOHAs, voted through online apps to secure first-place finishes for AHOF in campaigns tied to the webtoon "The Reason Why I Die" and the weekend drama "Love Is Coming." They later submitted a petition urging agency F&F Entertainment to allow the group to record the two OSTs.
In a statement, F&F Entertainment acknowledged the time and effort fans had invested in supporting the group but said decisions on an artist's participation in projects cannot be based solely on fan voting.
"Matters concerning an artist's singing, casting, or participation in specific activities require prior consultation and confirmation with our company, following a comprehensive review of the artist's schedule, condition, and activity direction," the agency said.
It added that artists would not participate in votes or events conducted on the assumption of their involvement without the company's prior approval, regardless of the outcome.
"Accordingly, we would like to inform you that for votes and events conducted on the premise of the artist's participation without prior consultation with our company, the artist will be unable to participate regardless of the results," it said.
F&F Entertainment said the policy was intended to prevent confusion over activities that had not been confirmed.
The agency also said it had not received any proposal or prior consultation regarding the two OST projects. It noted that participation in an OST is finalized only after discussions covering project details, the song and lyrics, production schedules and contractual terms.
According to the company, it was also not consulted before AHOF was nominated or announced as a candidate in the fan voting campaigns for the two soundtracks.