Lee Si An wins legal battle against agency as court dismisses damages lawsuit

Lee Si An has won her legal dispute against her agency.

On June 12, the Civil Division 31 of the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Judge Ha Sang Je, held a hearing for a damages lawsuit filed by Leaders Entertainment against Lee Si An.

The court ruled in Lee Si An’s favor, dismissing the agency’s claims. The judges determined that an additional agreement signed between Leaders Entertainment and Lee Si An was invalid.

Leaders Entertainment signed an exclusive contract with Lee Si  An in August 2023. Eight months later, in April 2024, the two parties entered into a supplementary agreement ahead of her appearance on Netflix’s 'Single’s Inferno 4.'

Through the additional agreement, the agency sought to extend the expiration date of Lee Si An’s exclusive contract. While the original contract was scheduled to end in October 2024, the supplementary agreement included a clause extending the term by an additional 18 months.

After 'Single’s Inferno 4' aired, Leaders Entertainment filed a lawsuit in December 2024, alleging that Lee Si An had violated her contractual obligations and expressed her intention to terminate the exclusive agreement.

However, the court found the supplementary agreement itself to be invalid, ruling that it had been obtained through deception. Contrary to the agency’s claims, the court determined that whether Lee Si An was affiliated with the company was not a significant factor in securing her appearance on 'Single’s Inferno 4.'

The court also rejected the agency’s demand for contractual penalties. It concluded that the supplementary agreement had been lawfully canceled and found no evidence that Lee Sian had violated any obligations related to her appearance on the show.

Lee Sian first gained public attention through Mnet survival programs 'Idol School' and 'Produce 48.' She later expanded her global recognition through her appearance on Netflix’s 'Single’s Inferno 4.'