JYJ sues Japanese agency over cancellation of concert

JYJ has filed a lawsuit in Japan against their management company AVEX Entertainment for interfering with their attempt to hold a charity concert.

JYJ, a boyband formed by former TVXQ members Kim Jae-joong, Kim Jun-su, and Park Yoo-chun after they filed a lawsuit against SM Entertainment for unjust contract, had planned a charity concert to aid earthquake-affected areas in Japan. However, the concert’s venues have canceled their contracts with JYJ after AVEX allegedly pressured them. 

JYJ’s agency C-JeS Entertainment and the concert organizer ZAK Corporation have filed two provisional dispositions against AVEX with the Tokyo District Court.

AVEX released an official statement, in which they do not deny the action. “Our company holds the exclusive rights for JYJ’s activities in Japan, and we have just taken actions against the infringement rightfully and properly,” AVEX said. They also claimed that they have received blackmails and threats due to the matter.

AVEX signed a contract with three members of JYJ in early 2010 after JYJ filed the lawsuit with SM Entertainment. A few months later, AVEX announced the “suspension of activities” of three members, arguing JYJ should refrain from promoting in Japan while legal proceedings against SM Entertainment were under way in Korea.

This “suspension of activities” has kept JYJ from conducting any promotional activities in Japan. Even after the suspension, however, AVEX has continued to make profits with products such as DVDs and JYJ footage.

Due to their ongoing lawsuit with their management company, JYJ has had difficulties in their activities in Korea as well. They have released an album, held concerts globally, and acted in dramas and musicals, but have had trouble getting airtime on television entertainment shows.

Another pop group, KARA, who also had three members embroiled in a dispute with their management company DSP for nearly 3 months, recently announced they have resolved the disagreement and will continue their career with DSP.

By Joo Hye-Mi (hyemijoo@gmail.com)