The popular Hong Kong girl group LollyTalk, formed from contestants of ViuTV’s King Maker IV, is grappling with a sudden funding cessation and substantial internal debt, prompting a dramatic intervention by Cantopop star Hins Cheung. According to reports this week, Cheung, often dubbed the “Social Worker of the Music Scene,” has stepped forward to broker a deal for the eight-member collective to sign with major record label Emperor Entertainment Group (EEG), aiming to resolve their financial precariness, though internal disagreements among members have stalled the potential acquisition.

The girl group achieved significant success over the past three years, cultivating a charming image that attracted numerous advertisers and, at one point, rivaling the popularity of established group COLLAR. However, their fortunes recently shifted when a key financial backer reportedly withdrew support, leaving the members with a six-figure debt owed to their current management company.

Dispute Halts Proposed EEG Deal

Sources close to the negotiations indicate that Hins Cheung initiated talks with EEG, a leading player in the regional entertainment industry, convinced of LollyTalk’s potential and work ethic. Cheung has reportedly long admired the group’s drive and willingness to overcome challenges, having been photographed engaging in friendly conversation with them backstage at the Commercial Radio Hong Kong Ultimate Song Chart Awards Presentation last year.

Despite the highly sought-after opportunity, the transfer to EEG has been complicated by internal discord. While a majority of the eight members expressed excitement at the prospect of joining a powerhouse label and even fantasized about becoming “Twins 2.0” (referencing the iconic Cantopop duo), two members have voiced strong reservations.

The primary concerns revolve around legal implications and maintaining artistic autonomy. These members reportedly fear that signing with a large corporation might limit their creative freedom compared to their previous independent setup, causing the consensus required for the transfer to remain elusive.

Financial Strain Pushes Members to Cut Costs

The urgent need for a resolution is underscored by the current financial difficulties facing the group. Recent observations reveal a notable shift in the members’ daily lives, highlighting their need to drastically reduce overhead. No longer afforded the luxury of private transportation, members are now resorting to ride-sharing services for professional engagements.

Compounding the problem, several members have reportedly moved back to their childhood homes to save on living expenses, a common measure in the entertainment industry during periods of financial uncertainty. This temporary reliance on parental support illustrates the direct consequences of the funding withdrawal and the pressure they face to secure a stable career path.

For LollyTalk, the outcome of the EEG negotiations will determine the group’s immediate future. A successful transition could stabilize their finances and provide the institutional support necessary to compete at a higher level, potentially reversing the current setbacks. Conversely, prolonged internal division may jeopardize the opportunity and force the members to navigate the debt crisis with fewer resources.

Music industry analysts suggest that while Hins Cheung’s endorsement is immensely valuable, the members of LollyTalk must quickly align on a shared vision to capitalize on this critical lifeline. Their decision will likely set a precedent for how independent pop groups in the region handle major financial crises and integration into established management structures.