Park Yoochun's legal battle with former manager continues despite court ruling

17 Nov 2024, 03:05 by Jia-Lin · allkpop

Singer Park Yoochun's legal dispute with his former manager continues as the manager has filed an appeal following a court ruling in favor of the artist.

On October 30, the 16th Civil Affairs Division of the Seoul Eastern District Court ruled against Mr. A, CEO of Recielo, in a 600 million won lawsuit against Park Yoochun. Mr. A, who had been Park Yoochun's manager since his JYJ days, claimed unpaid wages and damages resulting from Park Yoochun's alleged breach of contract. The court dismissed Mr. A's claims and also rejected his attempt to file a creditor's derivative suit.

However, Mr. A's legal representative, attorney Lee Eun Eui, filed an appeal on November 14, refusing to accept the court's decision.

Mr. A argues that Park Yoochun continues to engage in individual activities despite a court injunction prohibiting him from broadcasting and entertainment activities. He claims the 600 million won reflects unpaid wages and potential earnings based on their contract, which was valid until 2026.

This lawsuit stems from a dispute that began in August 2021 when Park Yoochun claimed he had not been properly compensated by Recielo. Mr. A countered that Park Yoochun had violated their agreement by signing a double contract with a Japanese agency.

Mr. A further alleges that Park Yoochun misused company funds for personal expenses, including entertainment and living costs, and even incurred a debt of over 2 billion won, which the company helped resolve. He claims Park Yoochun used company funds for personal entertainment, gave his girlfriend access to the company credit card for luxury purchases, and used company money for gaming. Mr. A also alleges Park Yoochun accumulated approximately 100 million won in unpaid bills at entertainment establishments, which the company ultimately settled.

In November 2021, the Seoul Central District Court granted an injunction filed by Yespara, a company that managed Park Yoochun's activities on behalf of Recielo, prohibiting Park Yoochun from appearing on broadcasts and engaging in entertainment activities in Korea.

Despite the injunction, Park Yoochun announced his Japanese comeback with a mini-album and Christmas tour in December 2023. He expressed his excitement and gratitude to Japanese fans for their support, stating his desire to showcase both familiar and new sides of himself.

This ongoing legal battle adds another chapter to Park Yoochun's troubled career, which has been marred by controversies, including a 2019 drug conviction and tax evasion charges. The appeal filed by his former manager ensures that this dispute is far from over.

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