PocketDol Studio released an official statement on the 15th, claiming that granting an injunction based solely on missing evidence in a global project involving over 10 billion won ignores the realities of the entertainment industry. They announced they will appeal to the Supreme Court and file for damages to correct this “wrong precedent.”
The agency added that Fantazy Boys already has numerous domestic and international contracts in place and plans to seek separate damages for the losses caused by this situation.
Individual lawsuits and team-wide damage claims will be pursued against members Kim Gyu-rae, Hikaru, and Hong Seong-min, who are currently under contract with PocketDol Studio. Meanwhile, members Hikari, Lingqi, Kim Woo-seok, and Oh Hyun-tae remain steadfast in their positions and are continuing their scheduled activities without issue.
The agency stated, “Since the scale of damage suffered by the artists, the company, affiliates, and investors is significant, we will hold all parties legally accountable.” They added they will respond strongly without compromise to any actions that undermine the order of exclusive contracts.
Legal representative Lawyer Noh Jong-eon added, “Granting an injunction for an idol group with massive investment based only on some missing evidence is an unusual decision detached from entertainment practice.” He vowed to clarify the facts through the main lawsuit and do everything possible to provide relief for the affected parties.
Previously, Lawyer Heo Seong-hoon of Law Firm Liu, representing six Fantazy Boys members and BAE173’s Doha, announced on the 14th that they won the injunction to suspend the exclusive contract against PocketDol Studio filed on the 17th of last month. Despite an immediate objection from PocketDol Studio, the members and Doha won that case as well.
The legal representative stated, “The court repeatedly pointed out that PocketDol Studio failed to properly fulfill its settlement obligations, recognizing the breach of contract.” As a result, six members including Kang Min-seo and BAE173’s Doha are now free from their exclusive contracts with PocketDol Studio to pursue their entertainment activities.
Fantazy Boys debuted in 2023 through MBC’s ‘Fantasy Boys’ Season 2. After the final first-place winner, Yu Jun-won, failed to join due to a contract dispute with his agency, the group started with 11 members. Last year, members Kang Min-seo, Lee Han-bin, Hikaru, Hong Seong-min, Kim Gyu-rae, and Kaydan filed for the confirmation of non-existence of the exclusive contract and an injunction to suspend its effect.
