In 2014, a creative collective was formed by artists. It became known as DPR (Dream Perfect Regime), a multi-genre music label and video production company, co-founded by Christian Yu (also known as IAN and former C-Clown‘s Rome), Scott Kim (also known as REM), Hong Dabin (also known as LIVE)—all of whom attach the label’s acronym “DPR” to their names.
From left: Scott (REM), Dabin (LIVE, and Christian (IAN)
Each one played a different role in DPR. For instance, DPR IAN is Visual Director. He directs all DPR music videos. He is also a music artist.
Scott Kim, who was known as DPR REM, was the Creative Director, Business Manager, Executive Producer, etc. He was considered the man who made the dreams a reality as the businessman who worked behind the scenes.
| @iknowrem/Instagram
Yet, January 12, 2023, on the same day that it was announced that DPR LIVE + DPR IAN were performing at 2023 Coachella, Scott announced via his Twitter account that he was resigning from his position as DPR’s business manager.
Important sidenote* – starting this year, I’ve come to the decision that its ultimately best I release myself of all management responsibilities going forward in regards to DPR. This may come to a surprise for many as I’ve always prided myself on being that position for this team
— REM (@_iknowrem) January 13, 2023
artistic endeavors going forward – whatever that may end up being! Hope yall understand and continue to support nonetheless…!🥹
— REM (@_iknowrem) January 13, 2023
Likewise, DPR LIVE confirmed that Scott was no longer in DPR when he shared an appreciation post at the end of the Regime Tour Soeoul Finale. Several names were listed, and fans noticed that Scott’s was not.
Fans were concerned and confused, as some had originally hoped Scott was just a break. The same day of DPR LIVE’s post, Scott tweeted that he was okay.
Been going through a super reflective time in my life so forgive me for my absence – just wanted to drop by to sincerely thank you for all the bday wishes and to let you all know i’m doing well hope you are too
— REM (@_iknowrem) February 22, 2023
Additionally, Scott, whose Instagram handle matched the others’ with @dprrem, apparently archived all his posts and changed his account handle to @iknowrem (His X account is @_iknowrem) on June 13, 2013. However, he has only one post, and it was uploaded on June 20, 2023, with limited comments.
Likewise, August 2023 was the last publicly posted tweet, although he promised to regularly update.
ill be regularly updating soon. Thank you all for keepin me in your hearts
— REM (@_iknowrem) August 26, 2023
Now, after months of not hearing about Scott, Dabin mentioned him in a new song.
Dabin released “WMP freestyle” as part of his new EP Giggles, and it’s clear who this song is about. He explains in the song that this person “made money” by “selling” his “voice.”
Selling my voice, more trust earned
What will you do when you gain honor?
Fellas, I’ve made more money than you
I love my money
For what I earned without permission
We’re on the path we’ve chosen
But this song is Ketamine for you, yeah
Is this the team, huh?
Is this a team, huh?
You’re tired of it, huh?
No end, huh?
This ain’t no dream, huh?
Ayo P, play that sh*t man
Pause it, need deposits
— Dabin, “WMP Freestyle”
Throughout the song, Dabin calls out this individual who continually takes advantage of his loyalty and trust by using language like “team” and “we.” Dabin also infrequently uses the phrase, “Pause it, need deposits.”
They say I should be grateful
Shut up, Where my money at?
Accountants are coming to say thanks
They’re coming to your surroundings
Open your eyes wide and be cautious
Snakes are all around us
Using the word ‘we’
To control people
To our ‘team’
Aye, aye c’mon
It won’t work here, punk
Where have you tried that tough act?
Back then, on your forehead
Taser, razor, taser
Huh, sh*t, huh
Loyalty is by trust
The more I listen, the more problems you have
What sins do our brothers have, sh*t
Pause it, need deposits
— Dabin, “WMP Freestyle”
If it was not clear enough already who Dabin was calling out, he mentioned him by name by the end of the song with the line, “Taking a REM sleep” as not only did Scott by “REM” in DPR but it’s still the name on his social media accounts.
A secretary from an internet cafe
Taking a REM sleep, lunatic
As planned, shh
Don’t let it be heard, shh
We said they were eavesdropping, shh
What’s trust?
You’re disrespectful to me, shh
F*ck all your crybaby, sh*t
This song right here, sh*t
You gon’ cry on this sh*t
— Dabin, “WMP Freestyle”
Dabin concluded the song, repeatedly asking “Where my pay at?” He indicates that Scott frequently requested money to make their business happen but didn’t give Dabin any money he would have made.
That’s not all, though. Recently, Dabin performed the song live, and he explicitly yelled out “F*ck REM!” So, there’s no question that Scott and DPR did not part ways amicably.
“ayo fuck rem! AYOO FUCK REM!!!” pic.twitter.com/RR2wQO5t78
— fay (@mito_is_real) January 23, 2024
Although loyal DPR fans loved each member, including Scott, and were used to viewing them as a group, many are siding with Dabin after this.
