TVXQ/JYJ vs. SM Entertainment Company Disputes

The main claims in the TVXQ/JYJ vs. SM Entertainment Company disputes revolve around the alleged mistreatment and unfair contract terms imposed by SM Entertainment on the members of TVXQ, who later formed JYJ. In 2009, Jaejoong, Yoochun, and Junsu filed a lawsuit against SM Entertainment to terminate their 13-year contracts, citing unjust terms and inadequate profit sharing. The Seoul District Court ruled in favor of JYJ, allowing them to pursue activities independently. However, SM Entertainment allegedly continued to interfere with JYJ's activities by discouraging media outlets from featuring them, which led to further legal battles. The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) of Korea intervened, penalizing SM Entertainment and ordering them to cease obstructive actions against JYJ. This case highlighted the broader issue of "slave contracts" in the K-pop industry, leading to regulatory changes aimed at protecting artists from exploitative practices. The resolution of this dispute has been seen as a significant step towards fairer treatment of entertainers in South Korea Korea Herald, Korea Times, Core.ac.uk.