Kim Ho-joong(김호중)'s agency, previously known as THINK Entertainment (생각엔터테인먼트), has officially changed its name to ArtM&C (아트엠앤씨), following recent controversies involving the singer. 

The announcement came on the 20th from THINK Entertainment, confirming the rebranding decision.

According to the agency, "We have recently changed our company name from THINK Entertainment to ArtM&C. This decision was made in May after a series of social controversies, and it was agreed upon by our shareholders that we would no longer use the name THINK Entertainment."

The agency emphasized, "The name change solely signifies our decision to cease our management business. There are no hidden motives or schemes behind this change. We urge the media to refrain from speculative reports."

This change follows a string of challenges for THINK Entertainment, primarily linked to Kim Ho-joong's DUI hit-and-run incident. On the night of June 9th, Kim Ho-joong collided with a taxi in Apgujeong, Seoul, and fled the scene. His manager initially took the blame, leading to allegations of a cover-up. Seventeen hours later, Kim Ho-joong appeared before the police and confessed to being the driver.

Initially denying the DUI allegations, Kim Ho-joong later admitted to the charges on June 19th after CCTV footage revealed his inebriation. Subsequently, he was arrested on June 24th. The Seoul Gangnam Police sent Kim Ho-joong and his agency's associates to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office on June 31st for further investigation. He faces multiple charges, including aggravated punishment for dangerous driving causing injury, hit-and-run, drunk driving, and instructing his manager to take the blame.

On June 13th, Kim Ho-joong reached a settlement with the victim, 35 days after the accident. However, the fallout from the incident saw several artists under THINK Entertainment, including Hong Ji-yoon, Young-gi, Jung Da-kyung, Son Ho-jun, and Geum Jan-di, leave the agency.

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In their official statement, ArtM&C clarified:

"Hello, this is THINK Entertainment.

We have recently changed our name from THINK Entertainment to ArtM&C. This decision was made in light of social controversies earlier this year, and our shareholders agreed to discontinue the use of the name THINK Entertainment.

We emphasize that the name change simply reflects our decision to exit the management business and does not imply any hidden agendas. We kindly ask for the cessation of speculative reporting on this matter.

Thank you."