Actress takes legal action against former agency over unpaid work and broken trust

Capture from Song Ji-hyo's Instagram

Song Ji-hyo, a well-known South Korean actress, has filed a lawsuit against her former agency her, Uzurocks, for allegedly failing to pay her for work she performed, including appearances on various television programs. According to a spokesperson for Song, the actress filed the lawsuit on Tuesday, citing unpaid settlements. The spokesperson also stated that Uzurocks had repeatedly missed the payment deadline, prompting Song to take legal action.

Song Ji-hyo notified Uzurocks of her intention to terminate her exclusive contract with the agency on April 14, citing issues related to management of her. This move follows an announcement by the CEO of Uzurocks, Park Joo-nam, who resigned on April 27, stating that the agency faced challenges related to management. Song's spokesperson did not comment on whether Park's resignation was related to the actress's lawsuit.

Song Ji-hyo is widely recognized for her work in Korean dramas and films, having risen to fame with her performance in MBC’s 2006 hit TV drama “Princess Hours” and the 2008 movie “A Frozen Flower.” She has been a regular cast member on the popular variety show “Running Man” since 2010, and has also appeared in several other programs and films.

The legal dispute between Song Ji-hyo and Uzurocks highlights the ongoing issue of unfair treatment of artists by some entertainment agencies in the Korean entertainment industry. Despite recent efforts by the government to regulate and monitor these agencies, incidents of mistreatment and contractual disputes continue to occur.

Song's decision to sue her former agency reflects a growing trend among Korean celebrities who are fighting for better working conditions and fair compensation. In 2020, actress Kim So-hyun successfully terminated her contract with her agency citing contractual violations, while other high-profile actors and entertainers, including Lee Joon-gi and Kang Daniel, have also faced legal battles with their agencies in recent years.

As the Korean entertainment industry continues to evolve and expand, it is likely that more disputes between artists and agencies will arise. However, it is also possible that increased awareness and advocacy for artist rights will lead to more equitable and transparent practices within the industry.

Sayart.net 

BlueYIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com