PocketDol Studio Denounces JTBC’s Project 7 and UNCORE for Violating Agreement on J-min and Kenshin

On January 10, attorney Yang Tae-jung of Gwangya Law Firm, representing PocketDol Studio, voiced concerns regarding a statement issued by UNCORE, which alleged contractual violations by a particular agency. He articulated, “JTBC’s Project 7 had initially provided a contract that permitted simultaneous activities for our group BAE173 and participating trainees. However, their position changed unexpectedly after the final lineup was established. This abrupt alteration has caused us significant distress and concern.”

In its earlier claims, UNCORE asserted that all contestants and their agencies had been informed that once selected for the final lineup of the project group “Close Your Eyes,” they would be prohibited from engaging in any external activities without UNCORE’s prior approval. This assertion included accusations against a specific agency for breaching this agreement by promoting domestic and international events for their artists and insisting on continued simultaneous activities, which purportedly jeopardized the interests of other group members.

PocketDol Studio’s Position

PocketDol Studio contested these allegations, stating, “Our artists and trainees, including BAE173’s J-Min (Jeon Min-wook) and trainee Sakurada Kenshin, participated in Project 7 as requested by the production team. During this collaboration, we signed an agreement that clearly permitted simultaneous activities in the event that artists were chosen for the final lineup.”

The studio further clarified that the contract included provisions for exceptions, which stated:

Artists are required to prioritize project group activities throughout the 36-month active period.
If any existing agreements for other activities were disclosed prior to signing, simultaneous scheduling could be organized to avoid any conflicts.

PocketDol Studio emphasized that these contractual terms were well-understood and accepted by all involved parties, including the production team. They explained, “We provided comprehensive schedules, encompassing album releases and international tours for BAE173, to the Project 7 team to synchronize activities. Nevertheless, after the final lineup selection, UNCORE issued a new management contract that restricted simultaneous activities. Due to ongoing disputes, we could not endorse this newly presented agreement; nonetheless, our artists J-Min and Sakurada Kenshin were dispatched internationally for Project 7 promotional activities.”

Claims of Artist Isolation

PocketDol Studio additionally accused UNCORE of preventing access to their artists and withholding critical information regarding their locations. The studio noted, “Despite our multiple attempts to reach out to our artists, we received no response. This situation is particularly alarming because Sakurada Kenshin is a minor, and we are his guardians in Korea. On January 8, we were compelled to file a missing person report to ensure their safety,” they affirmed.

According to the studio, UNCORE initially provided misleading information to the police, asserting that the artists were with their parents. It was only after the parents confirmed otherwise that UNCORE acknowledged the artists were at the practice studio. PocketDol Studio condemned these actions as “a breach of trust.”

Demand for Transparency and Legal Recourse

PocketDol Studio criticized Project 7 for promoting involvement under the assurance of simultaneous activities, which were retracted post line-up formation. They expressed their determination, stating, “We will identify the agency responsible for obstructing activities, and if this situation remains unaddressed, we will not hesitate to disclose contracts and email correspondence. We categorically reject the conducts of Project 7 and UNCORE and are prepared to pursue all legal avenues available to us.”

Source&Images