A controversy arose earlier this month when YG Entertainment announced that their artists would not be participating in KBS's "Gayo Festival". In response to the flurry of questions over his decision, YGE's CEO, Yang Hyun Suk, recently spoke out to clarify on the issue. He expressed, "I believe that there is a difference in thought between KBS and YGE. We've decided not to have our artists attend the ceremony because we simply do not agree with the awards' standards. We are adverse with relying on ARS texting votes, broadcast points, and live votes to determine results. Unfortunately, since KBS will utilize those methods, it led us to decide not to attend." He continued, "Just like how all broadcast programs only invite artists that they want on the show, decisions made by entertainment companies are autonomous as well. We hope that people don't exaggerate a program appearance decision between two companies to be indicative of a conflict." Unlike MBC and SBS, who both got rid of the awards component of their ceremonies due to controversies on standards, KBS will be awarding one artist/team a popularity award. Source: OSEN via Nate