Following his departure from SM Entertainment and filing a lawsuit against the label, it was revealed that his relationship with Lee Soo Man had deteriorated.
This is how they resolved their differences.
Kim Jaejoong from JYJ made a grand entrance into the K-pop industry on June 26, showcasing his exceptional idol talents with the release of his 20th debut anniversary album, “FLOWER GARDEN.”
In celebration of his return, the media conducted an interview with the K-pop legend, during which he discussed various subjects such as his previous dispute with SM Entertainment and its founder Lee Soo Man.
Before founding his own label inKODE in 2023, Jaejoong first debuted as a member of TVXQ under SM Entertainment in 2003.
Despite receiving immense love from the music scene, the group’s time as a quintet was cut short when Jaejoong, Junsu, and Yoochun filed a lawsuit against SM for an unfair contract.
Despite leaving the company in 2009, Jaejoong continued to face consequences from the conflict as he was banned by SM from appearing on major broadcasting channels. Even on the rare occasions when he was allowed to appear, he would often be edited out or completely erased from the episode.
The blacklisting of Jaejoong lasted for approximately 15 years, suggesting that their grievances were not addressed during that time.
Last year, the winds of change began to blow when Jaejoong launched his label, inKODE, and received a congratulatory wreath from SM Entertainment.
Despite facing criticism from those who were against SM’s actions, Jaejoong ultimately shared his true feelings from that time.
“I was happy and grateful that the best entertainment company in Korea extended their support to me. I think SM is a company that should coexist rather than be an enemy.”
Besides the company itself, the icon also revealed that his strained relationship with Lee Soo Man, which had soured after his departure from SM, had been mended.
“A few years ago, I met teacher Lee Soo Man by chance on a plane to Japan. At that time, I gave him a handwritten letter saying, ‘There was a conflict, but as time went by and I thought about it, I think it was my teacher who gave me the courage to become myself.’
[Teacher Lee Soo Man] said he boasted about it to his SM friends, and it is a meaningful place as it is the company that gave birth to me.”
However, Jaejoong’s special album, a present to his devoted fans, comprises a grand total of 13 songs, with the lead single being “Glorious Day.”
The song aims to convey its appreciation to fans who have made every moment spent with Jaejoong a magnificent one. The album also strives to communicate Jaejoong’s aspiration to continue journeying down a beautiful path with his devoted supporters.
View the music video for Jaejoong’s “Glorious Day”here!
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