Singer Ben has officially launched a lawsuit against her former agency Major Nine regarding music revenue settlements.
On the 23rd, the 14th Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Mediation) held the first hearing for the lawsuit filed by Ben against her former agency Major Nine for approximately 700 million KRW. Only the legal representatives of both sides attended the court on that day.
According to Star News, the court noted that Ben's side initially claimed a settlement of 30.01 million KRW but later changed it to 739 million KRW. Additionally, Ben's side explained that "there were music revenues for about seven months after the contract ended, so we should receive additional settlements."
In response, the court asked, "If the company incurs a deficit, does Major Nine also bear this part?" to which Ben's side replied, "Since it is not specified in the contract, Major Nine should bear it for now." The court viewed this as an unfair measure and reportedly asked, "Was Ben a top representative singer of Major Nine?"
Ben's side argued, "It is unfair to deduct half of the marketing costs from total revenue and then calculate the settlement based on 20% of the remaining amount." In response, Major Nine explained, "Since December 2019, the method of distributing 50% of the profits after deducting all costs from total revenue has been changed. Until November 2019, marketing costs were not deducted at all." They emphasized, "We did not raise any objections regarding this matter while actively working during the contract period."
The court pointed out that Ben's request for a settlement lacked sufficient grounds and concluded the hearing, scheduling the next date for September 10.
Ben did not renew her contract with Major Nine after it expired in January 2023. Following this, she demanded settlements regarding the revenues generated from the music and albums released during the contract period, but Major Nine did not accept this, leading to legal disputes.
Singers and agencies draft contracts that specify revenue distribution rates for each activity item. When a singer is under contract with a company, revenue settlements are made, but all revenues generated after the contract ends belong to the company.
Regarding this matter, it seems that Ben demanded settlements for revenues after the contract ended as the revenue settlement period was not clearly specified between Ben and Major Nine, leading to ambiguity.
In this case, the court urged both parties to reach a settlement in 2023 and made a decision to refer the case for mediation, but in November of the same year, the settlement failed, and the conflict between the two parties continued. As a result, the lawsuit was transferred to a new court in September 2024.
Ben debuted in 2010 as a member of the group Bebemignon and resumed her solo career in 2012 after the group disbanded. During her career, she gained immense popularity with numerous hit songs such as "180 Degrees" and "In a Relationship."
Ben was affiliated with Major Nine and The Vibe Entertainment, founded by Vibe member Yoon Min-soo, for a long time and left the company after her contract expired in January 2023.
Separately from this case, Ben married Lee Wook, chairman of the W Foundation, in 2020 and had a daughter, but she announced last year that she is undergoing divorce proceedings.
[Ji Seung-hoon, Star Today Reporter]
