[OSENWORLD] Concert organizer Root59 has issued a strong rebuttal to IBUKI’s claims, the leader of Osaka Ojogang — the winning crew of Street Woman Fighter 3 — over her absence from the show’s national tour.
In an official statement released on September 9, Root59 said: “We have been in discussions for months to secure Osaka Ojogang’s participation in the concerts. However, communication with IBUKI’s manager broke down, which caused delays in scheduling and contract progress. The claim that her exclusion was decided unilaterally is not true.”
At the ‘Street Woman Fighter 3: THE REAL STAGE’ concerts held at Seoul’s Jamsil Indoor Stadium on September 6–7, Osaka Ojogang performed without their leader, drawing attention from fans. The organizer later announced that IBUKI would also miss the upcoming Busan stop on September 13 due to “health reasons.” On September 8, IBUKI countered via social media, saying her absence had been disclosed without formal consultation.
Root59 rejected this version of events, stating: “During negotiations, her manager demanded separate conditions not shared with the other members and even requested that the performance fee not be specified in the contract. We could not accept such unfair terms.” The company also claimed that on August 26, all members — including IBUKI — had reached a tentative agreement to participate. “She confirmed her intent, but on September 1 she did not enter Korea and later, through a lawyer, notified us of her withdrawal citing breach of agreement and health reasons,” the statement said.
The company added that it announced her absence from the Busan concert early because IBUKI’s side had not provided a final response. “Although her lawyer later expressed a desire to join, the condition that the previous agreement be voided and a new contract signed solely with the manager was something the other members could not accept,” Root59 stated.
Closing its statement, the organizer said: “Osaka Ojogang members are sincerely preparing to keep their promise to fans. Root59 will provide full support so that they can shine on stage. We hope the tour will end not with further misunderstanding and confusion, but with warm encouragement.”
/k_inside@osen.co.kr
