In a significant moment for the K-pop industry, former LOONA member Chuu, also known as Kim Ji Woo, has secured a significant legal victory.
On August 17, the Seoul Northern District Court’s civil division declared the contract between Chuu and BlockBerry Creative null and void. This decision not only vindicates Chuu, but it also mandates BlockBerry Creative to shoulder all legal expenses incurred by both parties.
[ENG] 230817 Star News: [Exclusive] #Chuu a 'Completely' Free Person.. Court Rules Exclusive Contract with Blockberry as Invalid
Translation in text format: https://t.co/YgyDKsSzLN
Source:https://t.co/1YwRqWnyTz pic.twitter.com/5tErU9SHws— LOONA's Subbits (@gointosubbit) August 17, 2023
The origins of this legal tussle trace back to January 2022. Chuu, unsatisfied with the terms of her contract, particularly concerning payment discrepancies and eroding trust, sought legal intervention. She filed an injunction with the Seoul District Court to nullify her binding contract with BlockBerry Creative. Subsequently, the court approved her request, paving the way for Chuu to join a different agency, ATRP. That enabled her to recommence her entertainment pursuits without any contractual hindrances.
Chuu‘s legal battle isn’t an isolated incident. All other LOONA members have similarly sought legal redress to dissolve their contracts with BlockBerry Creative. They have since transferred to other agencies and are getting ready to embark on new journeys. Some will debut in a new girl group, while others are bringing back a beloved sub-unit.
btw happy independence day to my country and happy independence day to chuu pic.twitter.com/QmULXnrtb9
— sha! (@mo9lvr) August 17, 2023
Chuu‘s victory is more than just a personal triumph. It serves as a beacon of hope for many artists in the K-pop world, emphasizing the importance of fair contractual terms and the right to seek legal recourse when necessary. As the industry continues to evolve, it’s crucial for agencies and artists to foster a relationship built on trust, transparency, and mutual respect. – K-Pop News Writer
Featured Image: After a protracted legal battle, Chuu is free of her old agency. Source: Naver.