Actress Goo Hye Sun suffered a legal setback in her case against her former agency, HB Entertainment, regarding unpaid performance fees.
On June 18, the Seoul Central District Court's Civil Agreement Division 63, led by Chief Judge Park Chan Seok, dismissed Goo Hye Sun's claim for damages against HB Entertainment, ruling against the plaintiff.
Goo Hye Sun and HB Entertainment had entered into an exclusive contract in 2018, envisioning a strong partnership as a joint agency for the couple, including her husband, actor Ahn Jae Hyun, who was also represented by HB Entertainment at the time.
However, in the following year, 2019, Goo Hye Sun and Ahn Jae Hyun went through a divorce, triggering a dispute between Goo Hye Sun and HB Entertainment. Goo Hye Sun expressed dissatisfaction, alleging that the agency only prioritized Ahn Jae Hyun's work. As a result, she terminated the exclusive contract.
A major point of contention arose concerning the YouTube channels associated with Goo Hye Sun and HB Entertainment. Goo Hye Sun's YouTube channel had been established and operated under the contract, with substantial costs incurred and actual videos produced. However, the contract termination led to disagreements over costs and copyright. Notably, Goo Hye Sun demanded appearance fees and a share of the YouTube income for her content.
Nonetheless, the Korea Commercial Arbitration Board ruled that Goo Hye Sun must pay 35 million won in damages to HB Entertainment, which had been invested in the development of the YouTube channel. Goo Hye Sun sought to dispute the validity of the arbitration decision through an additional application, but it was ultimately rejected, receiving final approval from the Supreme Court.
Subsequently, Goo Hye Sun filed an additional lawsuit seeking reproduction and distribution rights for her appearances. However, the court rejected her claim, recognizing HB Entertainment's copyright.
Ultimately, the agency-actor dispute, which originated from the divorce of Goo Hye Sun and Ahn Jae Hyun, appears to have concluded with Goo Hye Sun's loss. Hye Sun has since embarked on a new path as a film director and composer.
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