Former trainee “A” ordered to pay 5,000,000 KRW in contract violation damages
Former trainee “A” lost a partial legal battle against their former agency.
On June 26, the Seoul Central District Court ruled that “A” must pay 5,000,000 KRW (~$3,675.64 USD) for breaching contract terms.
“A” signed with the agency in June 2018. The contract banned tattoos, certain hairstyles, dating, clubbing, drinking, and smoking — with a 30,000,000 KRW (~$22,053.81 USD) penalty per violation.
In October 2018, “A” left the dorm without permission and secretly got a tattoo on the back of their neck. The agency warned them and removed “A” from the debut lineup due to conflicts with other members.
The agency demanded 80,000,000 KRW (~$58,810.16 USD) in damages, including penalties and contract termination fees.
The court sided with the agency but drastically reduced compensation. They said,
“‘A’s violation was not that serious, considering they only left the door once without permission and that the tattoo was small and not easily visible.”
The agency is refusing to accept the ruling and is preparing for a second trial.
