ANOTHER LEGAL DISPUTE BETWEEN KOREAN ACTRESS AND PRODUCTION HOUSE COMES TO AN END

Actress Kim Min Jung has won the lawsuit against the production company behind the film 'Tazza: One-Eyed Jack'. On January 15, it was revealed that actress Kim Min Jung had also not been paid for her work in MBC drama “Strike Love.”

In another news, Actress Kim Min Jung won a lawsuit against the business that continued to use her images to advertise their products even after their contract was over. According to reports on April 24, legal insiders revealed the court rejected all claims filed by MCM, a co-producer of 'Tazza 3', against Kim Min Jung and her former management agency Great Company. MCM had previously filed a suit against the actress and label for performance fees and penalty of breach of contract in the amount of 550 million Won ($445,589.76 USD). The Seoul Western Regional District Settlement Court section 11 ruled that the food business ‘H’ was to pay Kim Min Jung 90 million won (approximately $79,300) in damages.

MCM filed a compensation lawsuit against Kim Min Jung and Great Company in November of 2018 demanding they return performance fees and compensate for re-filming after Kim Min Jung stepped down from her role in the movie. Choi Yoo Hwa later took over the role of Madonna. Kim Min Jung previously starred in the drama, which aired in 2009, and it was revealed that she was owed a total of 105 million won (approximately $98,700). Insiders in the industry stated, “There have been numerous times where the production company will do a drama and shut their doors. From the lead actors to actors with smaller roles, they all end up not being able to appeal. The problem is quite serious.” The actors and their agencies have notified the Korean Entertainment Management Association of their situation, and the organization is currently looking into their cases. A source from the organization stated, “We have received complaints of outstanding payments from drama appearances since 2014. We are making an effort to create a list of production companies who have taken part in such behavior, and plan to take the lead in boycotting them in the industry.

Rumors at the time stated there were disagreements between the actress and staff, and differing views on the film turned to conflict, which caused Kim Min Jung to leave the cast. However, it was later clarified the filming schedule for 'Tazza 3' was very tight, and Kim Min Jung had to film for the tvN drama 'Mr. Sunshine'.

The issue of actors not being paid their appearance fees have been apparent throughout the industry. Previously, it was revealed that Kim Woo Bin, Ku Hye Sun, and Sung Yuri were not paid for their work in modeling and drama appearance fees, and have been pursuing legal action since.