Kim Bum questioned by authorities over contract dispute

Korean actor Kim Bum has undergone questioning by authorities regarding a dispute between his current and former agency over his contract, according to the investigation department at Seoul Central District Court on Friday.

An official at the department explained the actor recently received questioning as a testifier over a lawsuit filed by I Entertainment who, in early December, sued Kim's current management talenthouse King Kong Entertainment.

I Entertainment had claimed Kim violated his contract with them by signing with King Kong before his term with I Entertainment ended, resulting in King Kong "causing financial loss to the company by violating their exclusive contract commitments to Kim Bum" and asked to be paid 500 million won in compensation.

The 20-year-old, whose real name is Kim Sang Bum, gained recognition by appearing in popular sitcom "High Kick" (MBC, 2006) and "East of Eden" (MBC, 2008). He shot to stardom last year after portraying a heartthrob high-schooler in the hit KBS TV series "Boys Over Flowers".

He currently appears in the Wednesday/Thursday drama "Still, Marry Me" alongside actress Park Jin-hee.

Reporter : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr