Pledis Entertainment issued a public statement on Wednesday, March 25, indicating that they have filed a formal complaint about infringement of contract with ex-PRISTIN member Kyulkyung.
The full statement reads:
"Hi, this is Kim Moon Hee's lawyer of the Pledis Entertainment Agency, from Jipyong's law firm.
Pledis lodged a lawsuit against Kyulkyung before the Central District Court in Seoul on 19 February to verify the legitimacy of her exclusive agreement with the firm. Here is the official response from Pledis Entertainment."
1. In 2015, Kyulkyung established an exclusive agreement with Pledis Entertainment and was promoted as part of I.O.I, PRISTIN, and the PRISTIN V unit group. She entered the Chinese market in a stable role as a cast member on the first season of the Jiangsu television program "Crazy Wardrobe," as well as a coach on iQIYI's "Idol Producer" variety show. Pledis has handled its operations in the Chinese entertainment industry through its Chinese management company XCSS Entertainment along with her appearance on the' Idol Producer ' one of the defining moments of her career and the Youku's drama, "Miss Truth." We gave her all the encouragement she needed to be a great artist who has been recognized in China and Korea.
2. Nonetheless, Kyulkyung unlawfully submitted an unjust termination notice through mail, e-mail and an instant messenger in early September 2019 and prohibited any interaction with Pledis and XCSS Entertainment employees.
3. Since then Kyulkyung has left Pledis and has appeared in China on dramas, shows, and commercials separately, becoming very involved in the field of entertainment, in breach of our exclusive contract. We will, therefore, be in a position to take lawful measures in order to affirm the validity of our exclusive agreement with Kyulkyung by taking actions including a lawsuit. Exclusive procurement and petition for compensation have already been filed in China by XCSS Entertainment.
4. Pledis has provided all support for its successful promotion in Korea and China for the period of the exclusive contract. It is regrettable that such news has to be shared with fans and the press. While we have nothing but the right situation, Pledis is working hard to regain our trust in Kyulkyung, to achieve a mutual understanding and to settle the conflict and quickly conduct Kyulkyung's activities in the field of entertainment.
Thank you."
The former PRISTIN member pleaded for the withdrawal from her Pledis Entertainment contract, which was counterposed by lawsuits. On February 19, Pledis Entertainment filed a lawsuit with the Seoul Court to clarify the validity of Kyulkung's contract. The agency's legal representative stated this is because Kyulkyung has an unfounded and unilateral notice of termination. Pledis says she submitted her request via post, email, and messenger and has since avoided contact with Pledis
Moreover, Pledis Entertainment claims that Kyulkyung violates its sole contract by participating in activities without authorization from them, including dramas, shows, and commercials. The company has filed legal proceedings both in China and Korea because of this case.
