TVXQ halts musical activities in Japan

Korean idol group TVXQ has ceased their musical activities as a group in Japan, according to their local management agency AVEX.

AVEX announced on their official website Saturday that the boy band, currently involved in a legal dispute with their Korean talent house SM Entertainment, will be taking a break as a group.

The five-man band had officially stopped working as a group in Korea since last July when three of its members -- Xiah Junsu, Hero Jaejoong and Micky Yoochun -- asked a court in late July to nullify their exclusive contract with SM.

AVEX added however that they will keep supporting the members' individual activities, asking fans to "warmly support TVXQ" in their message.

TVXQ, who debuted in 2004 with album "Hug", is one of the most successful K-pop acts in Asia. They reportedly have the largest fanbase in the world, and have enjoyed great success in the Japanese music industry in particular.

Last week, the group made music chart history in Japan, becoming the first foreign artists in 15 years to place their single and album simultaneously within the top three slots of Oricon's singles and albums chart.

Reporter : Lim Hye-seon lhsro@asiae.co.kr
Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr