LOONA’s Heejin, Kim Lip, Jinsol, and Choerry have successfully won their exclusive contract lawsuit against Blockberry Creative.
Heejin, Kim Lip, Jinsol, and Choerry vs Blockberry Creative
On June 21, the 11th Civil Division of the Seoul Northern District Court ruled in favor of the four members in their civil lawsuit filed in March 2023. Initially, the lawsuit progressed without Blockberry Creative’s response, but the label eventually engaged, and court hearings began in December 2023.
via Starnews: The Seoul Northern District Court's 11th Civil Division ruled in favor of #LOONA members #Heejin, #KimLip, #Jinsoul, and #Choerry in their case vs Blockberry Creative regarding the non-existence of their exclusive contracts valued at 200M KRW.
This suit was… pic.twitter.com/bIZnRk4MZp
— 🌙 Orrery (@orrery_nim) June 20, 2024
Prior to this ruling, Heejin, Kim Lip, Jinsol, and Choerry had secured a temporary injunction that suspended the effects of their exclusive contracts. The injunction freed them from restrictions on their entertainment activities, allowing them to continue their careers without Blockberry Creative’s interference. Following this, the four members joined a new agency, Modu House, and debuted as part of the reformed group ARTMS, which also includes Haesol, bringing the group to five members.
ARTMS 첫 방부터 막 방까지! 찐친 모먼트 대방출https://t.co/glpUIw8YOV#ARTMS #OURII#Dall #Devine_All_Love_Live #Virtual_Angel pic.twitter.com/SiQajsgaqe
— Official ARTMS (@official_artms) June 20, 2024
LOONA originally debuted in 2018 as a 12-member group, but internal disputes, particularly involving member Chuu, led to significant changes. Chuu faced financial settlement issues with Blockberry Creative, prompting her to pursue legal action. She won her first and second trials to dissolve her exclusive contract, although Blockberry Creative has appealed, and the final decision is pending from the Supreme Court.
These legal battles have led to a practical disbandment of LOONA, with several members pursuing legal action to suspend their contracts. The successful lawsuit by Heejin, Kim Lip, Jinsol, and Choerry marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict between LOONA members and Blockberry Creative.
This victory not only liberates the members from their restrictive contracts but also sets a precedent for other K-Pop artists facing similar issues. It highlights the growing awareness and assertiveness among idols regarding fair treatment and contractual rights within the industry. Fans of LOONA and the newly formed Artemis can now look forward to more unencumbered activities from these talented artists.