Pocketdol Studio, which is in conflict with the management company Uncore over 'Project 7', has reiterated its position.
On the 20th, Pocketdol Studio stated, "We express our deep regret regarding the statement released by Uncore on the 16th. As we mentioned in our previous statement, we signed the appearance contract for 'Project 7' because we received a guarantee that group activities could be conducted simultaneously."
Pocketdol Studio added, "However, after the debut team for 'Project 7' was decided, Uncore unilaterally conveyed to us that simultaneous activities were not possible," and emphasized, "We cannot agree to a management contract that states 'simultaneous activities' are impossible, which is completely different from the position of the production company at the time of signing the appearance contract."
They continued, "We sincerely hope for the success of the artists and 'Close Your Eyes'. Therefore, we urge the finalization of a management contract that reflects the position at the time of signing the appearance contract," and warned, "If Uncore continues to infringe upon our contractual rights while maintaining its existing claims, we will take legal action based on our contracts with the artists."
Meanwhile, 'Close Your Eyes' is a project group formed through the JTBC audition program 'Project 7', which ended in December last year. Seven members, including Ma Jin-siang, Sakura Ken-shin, Jeon Min-wook, Seo Kyung-bae, Song Seung-ho, Jang Yeo-jun, and Kim Sung-min, were selected for the debut team.
Below is the full statement from Pocketdol Studio
Hello.
I am Yang Tae-jeong, the legal representative of Pocketdol Studio from the law firm Gwangya.
We would like to express Pocketdol Studio's position as follows.
First of all, we express our deep regret regarding the statement released by Uncore on the 16th. As mentioned in our previous statement, we signed the appearance contract for 'Project 7' because we received a guarantee that group activities could be conducted simultaneously.
We informed the production company of our artists' existing activities before they signed the appearance contract for 'Project 7', and the production company accepted this. Since our existing activity schedule overlapped with the 'Project 7' schedule, both sides communicated smoothly and coordinated.
Above all, we respected the dedicated passion and hard work of the 'Project 7' production team, and prioritized the production company's schedule, even changing the timing of our artists' previously scheduled activities to strengthen trust and camaraderie between both sides.
However, the company responsible for managing the 'Project 7' debut team was decided to be Uncore at the end of the program, and there was no mutual coordination regarding the management contract between Uncore and us. We tried to continue discussions with Uncore, but after the debut team for 'Project 7' was decided, Uncore unilaterally conveyed to us that simultaneous activities were not possible.
Therefore, we reiterate that we cannot agree to a management contract that states 'simultaneous activities' are impossible, which is completely different from the position of the production company at the time of signing the appearance contract.
Despite not having signed a management contract with us, Uncore is ignoring our position as the artists' agency and is unilaterally proceeding with preparations for the debut of our artists. Furthermore, they are not informing us about the location of the accommodations or the practice situation of our artists, effectively forcing us to sign a management contract.
Moreover, they are making inappropriate responses that could lead to various misunderstandings and controversies by mentioning "198 other participants and their families and related parties" without disclosing such details. We assert that we have not violated the appearance contract, and that Uncore's actions constitute a clear illegal act infringing upon our rights, even though a management contract has not been signed.
Furthermore, we believe that this is a dangerous act that undermines the fundamental contracts between all agencies and artists in the management industry.
We sincerely hope for the success of the artists and 'Close Your Eyes'. Therefore, we urge the finalization of a management contract that reflects the position at the time of signing the appearance contract.
If Uncore continues to infringe upon our contractual rights while maintaining its existing claims, we will take legal action based on our contracts with the artists.
[Lee Da-kyum, Star Today Reporter]
