JYJ and broadcaster KBS in spat over TV appearances

JYJ [C-Jes Entertainment]

Male trio JYJ's agency C-JeS Entertainment is in conflict with state-run broadcaster KBS over restricting the boys from appearing on their entertainment shows.

On Wednesday, KBS posted a message on its online Q&A room for viewers, explaining why JYJ cannot appear on any of KBS' entertainment shows including weekly music program "Music Bank."

"JYJ's contract with their former agency has not ended so KBS is heeding attention to the results of this case with the most objective stance as possible," the network's message read, referring to JYJ members Jaejoong, Yuchun and Junsu pursuing their singing careers through C-JeS despite an ongoing lawsuit with their former agency SM Entertainment from which they have demanded their contract to be nullified.

So far, the court in charge of the case has ruled in partial favor of the three, giving them permission to pursue their activities individually but KBS said, "They are continuing with their musical activities by signing with their current agency so they are now under a dual contract which could have legal problems and harm the development and order of the cultural industry."

C-JeS' chief Back Chang-ju issued a response later the same day, rebutting KBS' explanation.

He argued that KBS is "inconsistent" in its claims by citing the court's decision to invalidate the boys' contract with SM after recognizing it was one-sided and disadvantageous, as well as noting another court ruling that followed several months after which ordered SM to compensate for interfering with JYJ's activities.

"Despite our artists fighting a lonely battle against a major agency to ask them for a rational contract, public broadcaster KBS has put it as if JYJ is causing a social problem so we strongly request them to correct this," Back stated.

He then added, "I feel bitter and disappointed they would talk about cultural order when JYJ is the promotional ambassadors for various state-run projects and organizations through which they help promote Korea overseas."

This fired up controversy over the broadcaster's actions which prompted KBS to delete their message without providing further explanation.

Jaejoong, Yuchun and Junsu debuted in 2004 as part of TVXQ, now consisted of remaining members U-Know Yunho and Max Changmin, but despite seeing phenomenal success in the Asia region, they ceased to remain a single group after filing the suit against SM in July of last year.

The three then formed trio JYJ in October of last year through which they have been pursuing their singing careers.

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Jessica Kim jesskim@