Boy Band Wants to Stay Together Despite Lawsuit

Three members of the popular Korean boy band TVXQ say they want to stay together as a group despite suing their management agency over what they say is an unfair contract.

In the first trial of their lawsuit against SM Entertainment yesterday, the three members expressed their intent to remain the band through their attorney.

The trial quietly proceeded for an hour as none of the band’s five members attended, attracting no fans.

○ Plaintiffs want to keep band

The lawsuit deals with whether to disband the group, the period of the contract, profit sharing and a dispute over the cosmetics business of the three members. The court asked the plaintiffs’ attorney to specify the purpose of the suit, asking if they want to terminate or revise their contract.

Their attorney said both are possible, adding his clients doubt whether SM can support them since the band’s members are entering adulthood.

Opposed to the disbanding of the group, he also mentioned the possibility of continuing the band while its members belong to different agencies.

SM expressed hope that the band stay together.

○ Court recommends settlement

The two sides were sharply divided over the contract period of 13 years, which the members say is an unfair deal. The plaintiffs say the deal is nothing less than “lifelong slavery” considering that the group is a teenage band.

Their attorney said other top stars have contracts of between five and seven years.

SM said the 13-year contract was signed under mutual agreement with TVXQ members in consideration of their overseas activities. It said the dispute stemmed from the three members starting a cosmetics business in China without the agency’s consent.

The plaintiffs argue that the business is simply a financial investment having nothing to do with the band’s activities.

The court advised that the two sides reach a settlement, proposing an arbitration session if both parties agree.