[Article] So the compensation for interfering with JYJ is 20 million KRW… but what about the producers who went along?

Recently, the courts have dismissed injunctions filed by SM against JYJ.  Following their decision, the courts declared that SM must pay 20 million KRW for every time SM interferes with JYJ’s activities. Through this, the interfering of singers’ activities by their previous management companies such as SM or JYJ has become officially illegal. However, SM should have stopped their unjust actions long before the court’s decision and order.

Management companies such as SM and JYP are famous not within Korea, but also in foreign countries. SM dominates Asia and JYP has introduced Wonder Girls in America and succeeds in promoting every idol group they produce. Of course, such marvelous hands of these companies most likely haven’t dealt with only official businesses. However, such “unofficial” businesses become the result of arrogance when they are no longer used to help someone succeed and, in the case of JYJ, are instead used to practically lynch others and interfere with someone’s future.

Although even fans may partially agree or disagree in these situations, management companies are damaging their own idol artists’ image through such negative situations. When a management company’s image becomes negative, groups that have already succeeded may not be affected, but considering the short lifespan of idols in general, the negative image cannot have a good impact on the future idols from that company. More importantly, besides weighing the pros and cons of such actions, purposely interfering and preventing another person’s activities as singers are the actions of gangsters and not of a good company. At the very least, they shouldn’t do this if they care about SNSD.

Furthermore, creating Kpop is basically selling moving good emotions to customers. However, trying to violently solve problems and issues with the company’s artists is an action which directly contradicts such a basis. Even without the recent ruling, companies abusing their power in the entertainment industry to harm the artists that have left them can be predicted to be an issue that cannot simply be discussed by the media in its society section. As a certain comedian has said, once you think something is late, than it is definitely late. However, continuing wrongful actions will result in not only the company being “late,” but bringing even greater anger upon themselves.

However, although it wasn't specified in the court’s decision, the large management companies need the help of the broadcasting channels to show off their power to throw out individuals from showbiz. The media’s reaction to JYP’s acceptance of Park JaeBum’s recent letter of apology is interesting. According to the media, KFPCAI has sent a letter of cooperation towards JaeBum's appearances on Korean television to the broadcasting companies. Although the reports referred to “KFPCAI,” this is really little more than a formality, and it is really JYP who’s stating that they will no longer have problems with JaeBum appearing on television.

In other words, KFPACI, no, JYP accepting JaeBum’s apology proves that JYP has been blocking Jaebum's television appearances up until now. Furthermore, we can interpret this as proof of the broadcasting companies’ close relationship with the management companies. It is the producer’s discretion to decide who will appear on television programs. However, in reality, the unseen forces that really make this decision most likely includes the higher-ups in the broadcasting companies and powerful management companies. This makes the producers in the entertainment branch claiming that they really don’t like their jobs understandable.

You need two hands to clap. Therefore, the management companies cannot interfere with a celebrity’s activities without the cooperation of the broadcasting companies. The broadcasters complain about the difficulty producing various entertainment programs that are dominating television, but such explanations are hardly convincing. If we agree with and accept unjust actions after listening to everyone’s complaints and reasons, there will be no room for public management of broadcasts. Therefore, although the courts ordered SM, the stakeholder, to stop interfering with JYJ, the broadcasting companies must read between the lines and understand that such decision also orders the broadcasters to stop their cowardly actions.

original article: mediaus

translation by: @_withjyj