Pledis: "Joo Kyulkyung Engaged in Unauthorized Activities After Unilateral Contract Termination Notice"

Former IOI and PRISTIN member Joo Kyulkyung / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] Joo Kyul-kyung, former member of the groups I.O.I and PRISTIN, is currently in a legal dispute after requesting termination of her exclusive contract with her agency, Pledis Entertainment. Pledis has filed a lawsuit seeking confirmation of the validity of the exclusive contract against Joo Kyul-kyung.

Kim Moon-hee, a lawyer from the law firm Jipyung representing Pledis, stated in a press release on the 25th, "Pledis filed a lawsuit at the Seoul Central District Court on the 19th of last month seeking confirmation of the validity of the exclusive contract against Joo Kyul-kyung."

Pledis explained, "Joo Kyul-kyung signed an exclusive contract in 2015 and was actively involved as a member of the project groups I.O.I, PRISTIN, and the unit group PRISTIN V. She also expanded her activities to China, appearing on variety shows and continuing her active career there."

They added, "Seongchan Seongse (Beijing) Cultural Distribution Co., Ltd. (Seongchan Seongse), the Chinese management corporation handling Joo Kyul-kyung’s management in China, has actively supported her Chinese entertainment activities by having her appear on the variety show 'Idol Trainee' and the drama 'The Great Tang’s Female Law'."

Furthermore, "In early September last year, Joo Kyul-kyung suddenly sent Pledis an unsubstantiated unilateral termination notice via mail, email, and messenger, and has since avoided communication with Pledis and Seongchan Seongse staff. Since then, she has been independently and actively engaging in unauthorized entertainment activities in China, violating the exclusive contract," they stated.

The agency said, "As a result, we have no choice but to take legal action to confirm that the exclusive contract with Joo Kyul-kyung remains valid. Seongchan Seongse has also already filed lawsuits in China demanding contract performance and claiming damages."

They added, "Although legal disputes are unavoidable, Pledis will continue to make efforts with an open mind to restore trust with Joo Kyul-kyung, reach an amicable agreement, promptly conclude the dispute, and facilitate her swift return to entertainment activities."

The following is the full official statement from Pledis

Hello. I am lawyer Kim Moon-hee from the law firm Jipyung, representing Pledis Entertainment Co., Ltd. (hereinafter 'Pledis'), the agency of Joo Kyul-kyung.

On February 19, 2020, Pledis filed a lawsuit at the Seoul Central District Court seeking confirmation of the validity of the exclusive contract against Joo Kyul-kyung. We hereby deliver Pledis’ official position regarding this matter.

After signing an exclusive contract with Pledis in 2015, Joo Kyul-kyung actively promoted as a member of the project groups I.O.I, PRISTIN, and the unit group PRISTIN V.

Additionally, she expanded her activities to China, becoming a fixed cast member on Jiangsu Satellite TV’s variety show ‘Fengguang Yizhou’ Season 1, and serving as a mentor on iQIYI’s variety program 'Idol Trainee,' maintaining active engagements.

Seongchan Seongse (Beijing) Cultural Distribution Co., Ltd. (hereinafter 'Seongchan Seongse'), the Chinese management corporation handling Joo Kyul-kyung’s management in China, has actively managed her Chinese entertainment activities, including her appearances on the turning-point shows 'Idol Trainee' and YOUKU’s drama 'The Great Tang’s Female Law,' providing all necessary support for her to grow into a top artist recognized in both Korea and China.

However, in early September 2019, Joo Kyul-kyung suddenly sent Pledis an unsubstantiated unilateral termination notice via mail, email, and messenger, and has since avoided communication with Pledis and Seongchan Seongse staff.

Since then, she has been independently and actively engaging in unauthorized entertainment activities in China, including appearances in dramas, variety shows, and advertisements, violating the exclusive contract without Pledis’ consent.

Accordingly, Pledis has no choice but to pursue legal action to confirm that the exclusive contract with Joo Kyul-kyung remains valid.

Seongchan Seongse has also already filed lawsuits in China demanding contract performance and claiming damages.

Throughout the contract period, Pledis has done its utmost to support Joo Kyul-kyung’s active activities in both Korea and China, and it is with great regret that we must now share this news with fans and the public.

Although legal disputes are unavoidable, Pledis will continue to make efforts with an open mind to restore trust with Joo Kyul-kyung, reach an amicable agreement, promptly conclude the dispute, and facilitate her swift return to entertainment activities. Thank you.