The Dispute Between Yu Jun Won And Phunky Studio Becomes A Legal Matter

Yoo Jun Won has filed for an injunction, escalating the ongoing dispute between the artist Yu Jun Won, his agency Pocketdol Studio, and production company Phunky Studio.

Yu Jun Won was slated to join the debut lineup of the new boy band Fantasy Boys after winning the survival audition programme that broadcast until June. However, he refused to join the group on August 14 because he claimed his requested contract modifications were not made.

Yu Jun Won disclosed on August 28 that he had petitioned the Seoul Western District Court for an injunction to halt the execution of his contract. “Trust in the relationship with the company was shattered when the contract’s terms were explained. The company’s supplemental agreement contained noxious clauses, such as the company’s labour cost burden.”

Also preparing a legal response is the production company Phunky Studio. “We have not yet received the notice from the other party, but as soon as we do, we will promptly respond. The programme specifies that once you become a member of the inaugural lineup, you will be promoted exclusively as a member of Fantasy Boys for five years. He did not continue to fulfil his obligations nor negotiate the disagreements in good faith while drafting the subsequent contract. We are therefore contemplating a claim for damages.”

Previously, Pocketdol Studio, which is in charge of managing Fantasy Boys, claimed that Jun Won insisted on a profit-sharing rate that was not equitable with the other 11 members and that he left the group twice without permission, causing significant harm prior to the group’s debut. According to Pocketdol Studio, Jun Won’s unexpected travel home on August 4th delayed the filming of the new music video by one week in each of three locations – Paju, Yangju, and Jeju Island – resulting in additional set costs, filming staff labour costs, and other fees.

In addition, according to the agency, the recording and choreography of the new composition were also interrupted. A representative disclosed KakaoTalk messages exchanged with the choreographer and music video director at the time, claiming, “The group’s supposed centre Jun Won abruptly departed, so we had to re-record his portion of the new song as the chorus. Moreover, we had to alter the choreography several times resulting in extensive devastation.”

On August 16, it was alleged that Jun Won left the group chat managed by the agency.

The mother of Jun Won refused to comment on this. The legal representative of Jun Won stated, “It was unreasonable to compel him to work without a contract. Jun Won has adhered to the schedule of the corporation, including his performance in Japan. Because there was no agreement to begin with, it is incorrect to state that his trip home during negotiations was unauthorised.