SM Entertainment artists departing for Los Angeles official photos released

Yesterday, press photos of SM Entertainment artists were released as they boarded the plane for Los Angeles, in preparation for the upcoming SMTOWN Live ‘10 World Tour on September 4th.

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SM Idols’ Audition Tapes Revealed

Audition videos of popular idols were revealed on the latest episode of MBC ‘Infinity Challenge‘.

On the 31st, the ‘Infinity Challenge‘ members took on their next challenge of auditioning to become singers. Before their auditions started, videos of current idol members were revealed. Idols that were shown were SNSD’s Seohyun, f(x)’s Sulli and Krystal, as well as SHINee’s Taemin.

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SHINee unleashes Lucifer music video

SHINee will definitely be packing a punch with their first comeback stage this Friday, and with the release of their 2nd full-length album that dropped yesterday containing 13 brand new tracks, well it’s just quite clear that the boys will be dominating the scene for some time.

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Park Chanchong Provides Solutions for the TVXQ-SME Ordeal

As many of us know, during July of 2009, three members of boy band TVXQ filed a lawsuit against SM Entertainment on various charges, which SME responded to by filing a lawsuit claiming that the three boys (Jaejoong, Junsu, and Yoochun) must pay 2.2billion won in compensation. The trio then asked for 1 billion won each – a total of 3 billion won – in compensation from their entertainment company on June 28^th, 2010.

Unfortunately for them, SM Entertainment refused to honor their request, and stubbornly kept their own stance on the matter. Because of these feelings of unwillingness on both sides, the entire ordeal has worsened instead of bettered.

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SM Entertainment will respond actively to TVXQ trio’s demand for compensation of 3 billion KRW

SM Entertainment’s official stand on Dong Bang Shin Ki trio’s lawsuit to demand for compensation is that they will be responding to the lawsuit actively.
News surfaced on 28th June reporting that the trio had demanded for a total of 3 billion KRW in compensation from the agency. And SM’s response to that was, “We will be responding actively to the lawsuit for compensation through our legal representatives.”

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SM reveals 10.4B KRW for total operating profit in 2010 Q1, highest record since establishment of company

It has been known that SM Entertainment, which manages idol stars like So Nyeo Shi Dae and Super Junior,

has achieved a sales record of 22.7B KRW (about 19.74 million USD) for the first quarter of 2010, the

highest sales record in history.

SM said, “We see a 58% growth in the sales for the 1st quarter of 2010 from the same quarter last year at

22.7B KRW as officialised on 13th May. And our operating profit is at 10.4B KRW, a growth of 471%

from the same quarter last year. This is the best for our company since we were established in 1995.” The

operating profit for the whole of last year for the company was 0.93B KRW.

This can be attributed mainly to the sales from So Nyeo Shi Dae 2nd album ‘Oh!’. The group has garnered

much loyalty from international fans with their promotions in different parts of Asia in the second half of year

2009.


SM added, “Upcoming are the album releases and public performances in Asia by our singers like Super

Junior, Super Junior M, So Nyeo Shi Dae, SHINee, f(x) etc. We are also planning on releasing various new

contents products like digital contents with the increasing popularity of smart phones. We are expecting the

figures to continue to rise in our 2nd quarter.”
S:Newsen

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SM Entertainment’s lawsuit against TVXQ trio begins May 7th

Back in April, SM Entertainment filed a lawsuit against TVXQ / DBSK / Tohoshinki members Jaejoong, Micky Yoochun and Xiah Junsu (Jaechunsu). The first trial / hearing for this will be held on May 7th at the Seoul District Courts. The members (defendants) won’t be present as the presence of both defendant and plaintiff isn’t required in civil case hearings.

In this lawsuit, SM Entertainment basically asked the court to: 1. Revoke their disposition where they allowed the three members to act freely while the case is under way, 2. Confirm that the contract between SM and the three members is valid, and 3. Make the three members pay 2.2 Billion₩ (around $2,000,000) in damages incurred for the cancellation of the Shenzhen concert.

An SM Entertainment representative stated, “After the trio filed their injunction we did everything to continue TVXQ as a group so we tried to avoid the lawsuit. However, with the recent suspension of TVXQ’s activities in Japan and the uncertainty of TVXQ’s future and their activities, we’ve decided to pursue this course of action.”

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Super Junior confirms comeback with ten members on May 13th!

The date has been finally set for their return – Super Junior will officially be making their comeback on May 13th with their brand new 4th album. As predicted by many, the group will launch their activities without three of their members: Kangin, Hankyung and Kibum.

 SM Entertainment revealed, “Excluding Kangin who is planning to get enlisted in the army, Kibum who is currently focusing on his acting career, and Hankyung who is in middle of a lawsuit, ten members of Super Junior have participated in this production. Only those ten members will be joining the activities for the album as well.”
It would be an understatement to say this album is highly anticipated, especially due to the fact that fans have been waiting for over a year and half. However, the absence of three members seems to be pretty bittersweet for fans, especially since with the surprising announcement regarding Kangin enlisting in the army.

Super Junior expressed, “We hope that Kangin will spend his military years well, and we believe Kibum that will deeply focus on acting and show the audience a better image as an actor.”
The boys also added, “We are in a situation in which we can’t even contact Hankyung in any way. We hope he can join us soon.”
Better be ready for the big day!


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TVXQ’s Yunho chosen as Korea’s representative for World Expo 2010

Even though there’s been a lot of controversy and complications surrounding TVXQ / DBSK / Tohoshinki, some good news has surfaced as it’s been announced that leader Yunho will be attending the 2010 World Expo as a representative of Korea.
If you’re unfamiliar with the World Expo, this event has been an important worldwide tradition where many countries gather and show off their national brand and culture. This year’s expo will begin on May 1st and end on October 31st in Shanghai, China.
On the 28th, Yunho’s representative stated, “Yunho has been chosen by KOTRA (Korean Trade-Investment Promotion Agency) to attend the expo on behalf of South Korea.”
The World Expo is one of biggest occurrences in global events and it’s quite an honor for Yunho to be representing South Korea.
During the announcement ceremony, a lengthy promotional video involving SM Entertainment artists such as Amber, Victoria, Krystal, Donghae, Eunhyuk, Henry, Siwon, Yunho and others was displayed. This video will be played throughout the expo to promote green cities for the future. A representative expressed that Yunho plays the lead character because of his high popularity in China.

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Never-before-seen pre-debut clips of SM artists gain interest

As many of you already know, you have to go through an audition process to get one step closer to being a singer in Korea. After the auditions, you are a trainee. As a trainee, you learn acting, singing and dancing under your company.
Audition clips of many stars have been released before to create laughter or let the star reminisce. The audition clips of SNSD’s Hyoyeon, Seohyun and Yoona have been released on few of the variety shows before. However, new videos of SM Entertainment artists as trainees have been released to the public.
In these videos, you see SNSD’s Seohyun, Yoona, Yuri, Sooyoung, Jessica, Super Junior’s Kibum, Heechul, Kangin, Yesung, Hangeng, Sungmin, Eunhyuk and TVXQ’s Yoochun, Yunho, Jaejoong, Changmin. They all look more at ease back then even though they often talk now about the stress they were under during those times. They all look relatively similar to how they look now but Yuri looks quite different with her braces.
Netizens wrote,

“They’re all so cute. It’s funny to see them before they were stars.”
“Yoona and Yuri looks like babies.”
“They all look so young.”

The videos are quite endearing and they explain why the SM fambam is so close.
Check out the videos:


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SM Entertainment stole dance choreography for SHINee?

This came rather late but with the technology of today, nothing stays a secret once it’s recorded.

Pat Cruz, Shaun Evaristo’s Fellow Movement Lifestyle Choreographer has recently launched a tirade against Korean idol boy group, SHINee for apparently stealing his dance moves. He expressed that the dance choreography that SHINee used for their Just Dance performance at the KBS Song Festival last December, were taken from their WOD Pomona video.

His message,

This is interesting. My friend Sam from North Carolina (raise up, take your shirt off, spin it like a helicopter) brought it to my attention. This video is of a Korean boy band doing my disturbia choreography to the song “just dance” by Lady GaGa. This was probably taken from our WOD Pomona video. You can see the actual choreography from that video here (starts at 3min)

This whole thing kind of boggles my mind. How can the “choreographer” take pride in their work knowing it isn’t really theirs? I mean congrats you copied the choreography dead on, but that’s about all you really did. I bet it would have been easier to come up with simple yet affective two steps for these “talented” dancers than taking the time to learn my routine off of youtube anyway. If you like the choreography that much then why not do it to the song it was intended for? There was a lot of thought put into the movements that directly correlated to the actual song. Now the choreography means nothing at all. I mean sure it gets the job done but it’s just movement now. No meaning, no depth, no substance, just movement. From the looks of things they have a pretty big budget so why not just ask me to do something for the artist. I would be more than happy and being that i am not considered a big name i would have probably been cheaper than anyone else.

In the end there is little to no chance at all of me getting compensation let alone any credit for this. It just sucks that those who take the time, effort and hard work to create can go over looked by artist and labels. In the end we are small fish in their pond and as of now there is little we can do about it. Thank God for Movement Lifestyle…

-Pat

SHINee’s Just Dance.

Starts from 3:00.

Does anyone feel a bit of deja vu after that Super Junior – Lyle Beniga incident?

SHINee cannot be blamed in this matter since it was the dance choreographers who jacked them. But it’s true that the famous get the applause while the hard work by “small fishes” behind the scenes goes unnoticed. What do you think?

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SM Entertainment officially investigated for unfair contract terms!

Korea’s Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) has announced that they are currently investigating all celebrities bound to SM Entertainment regarding unfair contract terms, suggesting that “a second TVXQ scandal” like event may occur.

According to One Nation’s Jo Moon Hwan, it was revealed that KFTC is investigating cases of unfair contract terms in SME idols such as TVXQ (including Junsu, Yoochun and Jaejoong who are currently in legal disputes with their management company), SNSD, Super Junior, etc. for a total of 53 SME celebrities.

Jo Moon Hwan stated that the question and answer document received from KFTC specified investigations for all SME affiliated individuals for reasons related to a delay in taking care of TVXQ’s legal case. KFTC expressed,

“Through this event all celebrities in SME will undergo investigations to see if their contract terms go against the law of established fair contract terms, which is why TVXQ’s legal dispute is being delayed.”

Additionally, the commission said regarding TVXQ’s case, “All related documents will be carefully reviewed and considered for an appropriate outcome,” not revealing at what point the case would be over.

As you readers know, SM Entertainment has recently experienced many difficult trials as three members in TVXQ and Super Junior’s Hankyung underwent legal battles for problematic contract terms such as its 13 year length and unfair distribution of album sale profits.

Signing unfair contract terms with its employees is not only SME’s problem. Last December, KFTC requested 407 large agencies to address unfair contract conditions and undergo investigations. However, one month after this request was issued (until January) only 11 agencies reported their conditions and decided to take prompt corrective action measures, giving a huge shock to KFTC.

From April to May, YG Entertainment and Star Entertainment were also investigated along with 20 other companies. The results? 19 companies with 230 celebrities were found with contracts made up of various unfair conditions. These conditions were not about appearance limits but rather about the celebrity’s individual affairs such as telling agencies their current location and not being able to leave.

This investigation will concentrate on protecting weak celebrities who are powerless to request their affiliated large agencies for protection rights that they deserve.

Stay tuned to allkpop for more activities of KFTC regarding their investigations on SM Entertainment and other companies!

Source: SSTV

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SM Ent, YG Ent and more want YOU to be their next k-pop star!

That’s right – We’re looking for the next k-pop star! Over the years we’ve come a long way and we’re finally ready to dive into the k-pop entertainment scene full force – and we want to take you along with us!

Eden Entertainment, allkpop, Korea Times Atlanta and MBC will be holding open auditions on behalf of YG Entertainment, SM Entertainment, DSP Media, Nega Network and Jungle Entertainment in Atlanta on March 13th and 14th.

We’re searching for the biggest and best talent to become the next hit sensation! I will personally be there to judge along with representatives from Eden Ent, Korea Times ATL, and MBC – So make sure to bring your A game!

Candidates must be between the ages of 15-25 years old and must be fluent in both English and Korean. We are looking for singers, dancers and CF models.

If you think you have what it takes, please send your applications prior to the date of the audition via email to: auditions@allkpop.com

In the email, please include your full name, age and category (singer, dancer, cf model).

Please note: singers must be prepared to sing at least two songs, raw without music, whereas candidates trying out to be dancers must provide their own track.

Date : March 13-14, 2010
Time : 11:00 AM-4:00 PM
Place :
MBC STUDIO
2174 Pleasant Hill Rd.
Suite 201
Duluth, GA 30096

More info. can also be found at edenmusicent.com

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Lee Soo Man resigns from SM Entertainment, Avex sells shares

Edaily SPN reported that Lee Soo Man will resign from SM Entertainment and that Avex Entertainment has sold off all shares of SM Entertainment.

Apparently, SM is stating that Lee Soo Man is resigning so that SM can focus on investments and business development overseas, however I don’t see the correlation between the two events. Regardless, Lee Soo Man will no longer be engaged in business activities, however he will still remain the major stakeholder, acquiring another 1.5% of shares from Avex, making his total share of SM Entertainment, 28.3%.

In addition, the relationship between SM Entertainment and Avex Entertainment seems to be over, as Avex sold all 15.4% of their shares, with Neowizbugs acquiring the majority of it.

Avex Entertainment used to assist in promotions of SM Entertainment artists within the Japanese market, including TVXQ.

SM Entertainment was founded by Lee Soo Man on February 14, 1995.

So what does this mean for TVXQ? We’re not sure, but seeing that Avex Entertainment has sold all of SM Entertainment’s shares, it doesn’t look like good news. However, there is a silver lining in that Avex’s CEO Masato “Max” Matsuura recently blogged and tweeted about how proud he was of TVXQ with their recent accomplishments and achievements (Platinum status and more).

Source: Edaily SPN
Via: DBSK LJ Community

[Thanks to Cyn City for the tip]

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SM Entertainment, “We would like to apologise regarding manager’s violence towards fan”

With the blown up case of group SHINee’s manager seen hitting the head of a fan, SM Entertainment releases an official apology. The video capturing that moment was uploaded on various portal sites recently and many netizens are angry over the the incident.

SM Entertainment revealed through a phone interview on 17th February, “The video was taken last August when SHINee was in the process of moving between their schedules. We would like to express our deepest apology to fans who have met with similar nasty situations.”

The SM rep also added, “We will make sure that such will not happen again, and that all managers and staff of our company will do their best. Again we would like to apologise for this.”

The video was revealed on various portal sites on 17th February.

Netizens who saw the video commented, “Even though the fans who came up close are a problem, the managers’ attitude are also a problem”, “I am shocked that they did such a thing to a young fan” etc.

S:StarNews

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Super Junior’s Shindong speaks about SM Entertainment

We all know idol stars have it rough, with anti-fans always on their backs, there’s a reason why entertainment labels are overly protective and actively involved in managing an idols’ public image. Well, during the filming of an upcoming episode of KBS2’s Star Golden Bell (set to air on the 9th), Shindong of Super Junior revealed a few behind the scenes secrets and behaviors that are taboo.

On the show, MC Ji Suk Jin asked, “Since you’re an idol, there must be a lot of interference from your entertainment agency, for instance, if there is one thing considered taboo what is it?”

Shindong answered, “Never take a photo where there is alcohol. However, my company said to me, ‘But Shindong, it’s ok for you.‘”

Shindong also revealed, “During charismatic/cool song promotions such as, ‘Don Don’ or ‘Sorry Sorry’, because we should maintain our cool image, our company told us to never act silly or funny when we make appearances on variety shows. But yet again, one time, they said to me, ‘Shindong ah, you were really funny yesterday.’”

Shindong brought the entire audience to laughter with these 2 statements. With that, being an idol is tough, but Shindong has it easier than other idols, or at least he says he does. He’s definitely a unique case though, but that’s a given, as he isn’t really your typical idol.

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HanKyung’s Contract Termination Trial Begins Jan 8

Recently, Super Junior M leader HanKyung’s contract termination request with SM Entertainment has caused great turmoil after being disclosed by the media.

As HanKyung’s representative lawyer Lee disclosed recently, HanKyung has already turned in a “Suspension of Contract Agreement” request and a “Contract Termination” request to court. The trials will begin January 8th in Korea.

To stop SM Entertainment from using delaying tactics, Hankyung has especially requested a “Suspension of Contract Agreement”. If the agreement is approved by court, HanKyung will be freed no earlier than March of next year.
Original text: HERE
Translation: iheartviolinboy@thirdchapter.org http://thirdchapter.org

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SM to face hefty compensation if Hankyung were to miss Hunan TV’s New Year Eve Concert

During Hunan TV New Year Eve Concert last year, Chen Chusheng’s silent departure became the biggest storm of 2009 created by an artist.

Hunan TV’s 2010 New Year Eve Concert in Shenzhen next week may yet again face the “missing gate” embarrassment. This concert’s heavy-weight guest performer SJ-M member Hankyung is in the mist of terminating his contract with his management company.

Recently, after Hunan TV communicated with the management company, the other party expressed that the problem is not big. But the reporter was told that the possibility of Hankyung making the trip is silm.

Hankyung’s management company claims no problem

The New Year Eve (Concert) sponsor is also unable to find Hankyung, can only contact the management company. It is revealed that at the moment the answer Hankyung’s management company gave is that SJ-M attending should not be a problem. According to this optimistic estimation, the direction group’s arrangement for Hankyung and co is: SJ-M takes a plane to Shenzhen, to reach the airport at around 10 in the morning that day, rehearsals at 11am at the venue. The direction group is looking at Li Yuchun and Hankyung to perform together at midnight.

Industry analyzed Hankyung’s trip as slim

If Hankyung doesn’t come, will Hunan TV New Year Eve Concert accept a “depleted” SJ-M? One of the staff at the direction group expressed that SJ-M has always appear as a group, and leader Hankyung is the core (of the group). “The New Year emphasizes on reunion, if Hankyung is not there, we are not able to accept.” As both parties have already signed the performance contract, if SJ-M cannot appear at the last minute, SJ-M’s management firm would face a compensation. In accordance with the general practice of breach of contract, the indemnity is double (of the agreed amount). If things turns out so, SJ-M’s management company will face a 7-digit payment claim.

Source: Xiao Xiang Morning News

• Follow-sjm.cn reports: SJ-M is confirmed to participate in Hunan TV’s New Year Eve Concert on December 31st, (they) will not participate in the Happy Valley Event on January 1st (Hankyung absent)
• Sina Reports: SJ-M, led by Hangeng is luckier than Rain (mentioned at the first part of original article). Our reporter understood from Tudou website’s (tudou.com) manager that Tudou used high prices to get the rights for online streaming to broadcast the end of year countdown concert by the 3 main channels, Shen Chuan TV, Jiang Su TV and Dong Fang TV. At the same time, they also invited the highly popular Hu Nan TV to stream their end of year countdown event online. There had been high expectations of SJ-M’s performance on the countdown event. Due to Hangeng’s contract problems with SM entertainment and in order to prevent their image from being overly discussed online, Hunan TV gave up Tudou website’s offer to stream the countdown event online. Hunan TV also limited the exposure of the countdown event on other websites. Hoping that Hangeng can successfully appear at the countdown event, Hunan TV gave up a 6 digit offer for the online streaming rights.

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Source: viragis@sj-world.net & Jolyn @sj-world.net

SM Entertainment refutes Super Junior lawsuit claims

In reponse to widespread rumors circulating that 5 other Super Junior members besides Hankyung had also filed lawsuits against SM Entertainment for unfair contract terms, the latter has issued a strongly worded statement on 29th December to refute the claims.

In the aftermath of Hankyung filing a lawsuit against SM Entertainment, there were reports afterwards that 5 other Super Junior members, Leeteuk, Yesung, Kangin, Eunhyuk and Donghae had done likewise. It also stated that because of Hankyung's nationality, his case was made public first before the others.

But SM Entertainment has issued a strong rebuttal stating that the news report claiming that 5 Super Junior members had filed lawsuits against them for unfair contracts were fabricated and untrue. And if such fabricated reports are published again in future, SM Entertainment will seek legal action against the publisher and the reporter.

The statement was signed off by SM Entertainment's CEO Kim Young Min and the affected Super Junior members.

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6 other Super Junior members filed for lawsuit against SM Entertainment too?

[Sina Entertainment News] The day before, Hangeng, the only Chinese member of Asia’s super popular group, Super Junior, filed for a termination of his “exclusive contract” with SM Entertainment.

According to the latest news from Korea, Hangeng is not the only one who filed the lawsuit. Other Super Junior members have also filed a similar lawsuit, and they include: Lee Teuk, Yesung, Kangin, Eun Hyuk and Donghae. The only reason why news about Hangeng was exposed first, is because of his nationality.

According to the lawsuit, Hangeng has not had any rest in 2 years, causing him to suffer from fatigue, which also resulted in chronic gastritis, illnesses related to his kidney, lumbar disc herniation, as well as a visible decrease in body strength.

However, SM Entertainment rejected Hangeng’s requests for rest, and continued to schedule activities for him, which caused Hangeng to suffer a lot of pain.

According to the contents of the lawsuit, since the time of his debut, Hangeng didn’t even have one day of rest per week. For 2 years, Hangeng has continuously done his overseas schedules as well, and had no choice but to continue with his schedules without any rest. In his contract with SM, there are clauses stating that he has to pay the company monetary damages should he be unable to fulfill the schedules arranged for him. Thus, even when he was in poor health, he had no choice but to follow through with his schedules.

Once the news broke out, many fans have expressed the wish for SM and the members to be able to make peace, and make changes to their contracts, as well as expressed hope that Super Junior will not face the threat of disbanding.

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Source: [Sina]
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