Tensions heighten between TVXQ and agency

The rift between three members of boy band TVXQ and their agency SM Entertainment grew deeper last week as the singers failed to notify SM on whether they are willing to resume their activities in Korea next year as a five-member group.

The agency, in a legal dispute with Hero Jaejoong, Micky Yoochun and Xiah Junsu who asked a court in late July to nullify their exclusive contract with SM, had announced during a press conference in early November that it would give the three singers 10 days to make the decision but the three did not hand a response to SM by the deadline last Thursday.

"TVXQ will not be able to make a comeback to the local music scene early next year since in actuality, they refused to be members of the group," SM said in a statement, adding they are "sorry to see such an outcome despite our will to see the band continue its activities."

SM added that the three members however, told the company that they would not take part in a concert set to take place in Shenzhen of China on November 21, leaving the future of other pre-scheduled shows uncertain.

The concert was one of the total 12 shows TVXQ was set to perform at as part of their third Asia tour which had been agreed upon in the middle of last year, and the three singers had agreed to participate and perform at all shows already set, despite the ongoing legal battle, SM explained.

A legal representative for the Hero, Micky and Xiah refuted SM's argument, saying SM notified the group of the concert after the three singers had applied for provisional disposition of their 13-year contract with SM and failed to disclose a contract detailing the terms regarding the show.

"Even their fans know the concert in Shenzhen had not originally been on their agenda...... The three asked SM to provide them with the contract but they never got to see it so they decided not to perform," Lim Sang-hyuk, attorney at law firm KIM & SHIN said.

He also added that the three members are still willing to talk with the agency as soon as issues over their unfair contract and shares of profit are resolved.

TVXQ, who debuted in 2004 with album "Hug", is one of Korea's most successful K-pop groups. They are stars throughout Asia, reportedly having the largest fanbase in the world, and have enjoyed great success in the Japanese music industry in particular.

The band became the first foreign artist to top the Oricon singles charts six times with their 27th single "Share the World/We are!" released this year.

Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr