What’s going on with Dong Bang Shin Ki (DBSK/TVXQ/Tohoshinki)? Are they really in a split with their current entertainment company over a terribly unfair contract?
What the fans have managed to put together from reports about the situation so far is that Jaejoong, Junsu and Yoochun are seeking to negotiate a resolution to some kind of disagreement between themselves and SM Entertainment (SM).
According to translated reports from their attorney, their massive earnings are split 8:2 (80% to 20%) with the huge number of profits going to SM. Then apparently the guys would have to split their 20%, 5 ways between each other.
In addition, there are conflicting reports about what TVXQ members are seeking. Some translated reports say DBSK don’t want to disband and aren’t seeking to necessary leave SM. They simply want to be able to freely engage in independent ventures some reports say.
Other reports state TVXQ want to change the terms of the current contract alltogether.
TVXQ is under contract — sometimes called a ‘slave contract’ — with SM. According to translated reports, if the issues aren’t resolved, the three are prepared to file a lawsuit.
Its true that DBSK (Tohoshinki / TVXQ) are on fire with their continued rise in Japan and unmeasured support in other countries like the U.S. (this site, for one).
I think it’s important that SM know the fans’ loyalties sit with TVXQ. So if SM doesn’t play this right — for one of the biggest artists they’ve ever had in their history — it could be disastrous for their company and reputation.
Tohoshinki, as they are known in Japan, is a combination of a goldmine, a diamond mine and an oil field all wrapped up into 5 gorgeous young men. You would think SM would keep them well paid and very happy.
From all accounts, the members work like there’s no tomorrow. They only get a break once a year and are continuously working in two separate countries.
SM released a statement in response to this situation confirming that Junsu, Yoochun and Jaejoong made “an application for provisional disposition” in district court. SM claims to be completely surprised by the action.
Both Changmin and Yunho have planned to do dramas this fall and there’s even conflicting reports as to whether those two are also part of the dispute.
According to allkpop.com, all members are united, loyal to each other and are prepared to do what they have to do to support one another.
In the mix somewhere is the fact that Junsu, Yoochun and Jaejoong have been involved in opening CreBeau, a cosmetics and facial care line which is making headway in China and scheduled to go international.
CreBeau is one of those ‘independent ventures’ which was started with the help of Junsu, Yoochun and Jaejoong.
However, international fans are skeptical as to whether SM is trying to make the dispute about the cosmetic line instead of the wretched terms of TVXQ’s contracts. Many fans are suggesting that SM should have learned their lesson with past fights between their company and groups like H.O.T. and Shinhwa.
It’s important to note that DBSK aren’t just ‘pretty faces’. They are artists who write and read music. They have great a cappella vocal skills. They have studied music, musical arrangement, musical production, etc.
They all either play an instrument or are in the process of learning to play a 2nd instrument. They all speak fluent Japanese.
These are highly accomplished young men who cannot be relegated to the ‘eye candy’ category. Because of their hard work and loyaly, they are indispensable.
Let me put it another way: Do you really think the sea of red in the picture below showed up to see 5 middle aged SM executives sing and dance? Hell no.
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