Monday 29 September 2014

Is SM Entertainment Losing its Hold on it's Idols?

       News has recently emerged that Jessica Jung, a member of the Kpop Idol group Girls Generation(SNSD), has been dropped by the agency, halting any plans she had with SNSD. This comes approximately 6 months after Kris Wu of EXO filed for a lawsuit, terminating his contract with SM, while F(x) member Sulli has left SM as well.
       Is there something going on within SM Entertainment that is forcing artists out? Both of this years issues have been linked to disputes between the artists' future and the plans of the agency. Jessica has recently begun her fashion line, and it seems that it is clashing with the plans SM has planned for her.
       Jessica's issue is not as severe as Kris', with SM Entertainment confirming that she will still be managed by the agency, the only change is that she will not be participating with SNSD in any of their promotional events or future albums as of now.
       But it seems that there is a misunderstanding between Jessica and SM. SM is stating that "This coming spring, due to her personal situation, she has notified us she will halt her team promotions with the release of one (more) album (source: allkpop)." But Jessica stated on Weibo differently.

      Jessica's post on her Weibo account states "I was excited about our upcoming fan events only to shockingly be informed by my company and 8 others that as of today, I'm no longer a member. I'm devastated....I am being forced out."
       Fans from all over the world show their outrage about the news, Jessica being one of the bigger names of Girls Generation, many just hoping that this is just a misunderstanding between the two sides. Many, like with Kris and EXO, are stating that Girls Generation needs to be a 9 member group, incomplete if one is absent.
      Jessica has been noted to be seeing an attorney, maybe just for advice, but it could also mean a lawsuit could be waiting in the shadows.
   
OCTOBER 5, 2014 UPDATE

       Over the last month, SM has noted the another member of EXO will be absent from promotions and shows. That member is Luhan, who is currently recovering from different symptoms, many saying related to extended fatigue. Information is swirling through the Internet, hinting that SM Entertainment and Luhan are headed to a crossroad. Luhan's declining health and SM's pressure for his return may just be the conflict between the groups.
       2014 has not been a good year for SM Entertainment and its' fans. But 2014 goes on, and we shall wait and see what it has in store for one of Korea's top entertainment corporations.
 

OCTOBER 7, 2014 UPDATE
       Luhan has filed a lawsuit against SM Entertainment, seeking to nullify his contract with the company. It seems to be more than just absence due to illness that was keeping Luhan out of the SM Town World Concerts. Sources report that their have been conflicts between Luhan and SM Ent these past weeks. Luhan gave SM a deadline to resolve these differences, but it seems that the deadline has past. Luhan is apparently going in the same direction as former EXO-M leader Kris, with the same actions and law firm. With the possible exit of another member, could this be the end for EXO-M?

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