EXO members Chen, Xiumin, and Baekhyun have taken legal action against SM Entertainment.
Attorney Lee Jae Hak from Lin Law Firm, who was responsible for providing legal representation to Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen, released a statement on the 1st, stating, “The artists has sent certification of contents to SM Entertainment seven times from March 21st until now.”
“We have consistently requested copies of transparent settlement data and grounds for settlement. It is the artists’ legitimate right to seek accurate and transparent information regarding settlements that have been unclear thus far. Additionally, SM Entertainment, as a company with exclusive contracts in the popular culture and arts industry, has a duty to comply with relevant laws and regulations.” However, according to them, SM was unable to provide copies of the requested material.
Lawyer Lee expressed, “Following the traditional practice of signing long-term contracts with artists for 12 to 13 years, SM Entertainment requires them to sign subsequent exclusive contracts, extending the overall duration to a minimum of 17 or 18 years. This repetitive demand for extended periods demonstrates a highly unjust tyranny. Furthermore, considering the additional training period as trainees, artists are effectively forced into what can be referred to as ‘slave contracts’ due to SM Entertainment’s dominant position.”
EXO, who made their debut in 2012, holds a prominent status as one of the iconic K-pop groups that have greatly influenced the industry.
