Kim Hyun-joong signs with Bae Yong-joon’s agency
Korean singer and actor Kim Hyun-joong, the leader of idol group SS501, has signed an exclusive contract with Bae Yong-joon’s agency, according to a press release by KEYEAST on Tuesday.
“We plan to provide more professional and concentrated support so that Hallyu star Kim Hyun-joong can go beyond Asia and grow into a global entertainer,” Yang Geun-hwan, the president of KEYEAST, was quoted as saying.
KEYEAST also explained that they plan to support Kim’s overseas activities through its Japan affiliate DA (Digital Adventure) and carry out various promotions with DATV, a cable channel for Asian entertainment programs.
Rumors of Kim teaming up with Bae first surfaced last month when it was reported that Kim and Bae had a private meeting. Kim and his band SS501′s contract with agency DSP Media expired on June 8.
But at the time, DSP downplayed the rumor, saying it was only a personal meeting between Kim and Bae, a close friend and mentor figure to the young star.
Earlier this month, several media reports had claimed that Kim had indeed signed a management contract with KEYEAST. But an official at KEYEAST dismissed the reports as “groundless” and said that they had not signed with the singer.
DSP Media also released a statement on Tuesday, saying other band members have not yet decided on their future plans.
Kim Hyung-jun will continue working as a deejay on SBS’ radio show “Radio Music High” while Heo Young-saeng, Kim Kyu-jong and Park Jung-min will be taking a break and make a decision later on.
Kim, 23, is the leader of boy band SS501, one of the most successful K-pop acts in Asia since their debut in 2005. The singer has also done some acting work, most notably in the smash hit drama “Boys Over Flowers” last year alongside actors Lee Min-ho and Ku Hye-sun.
SS501, who released the album “Destination” last month, have been promoting their latest single “Love Ya.”
Reporter : Lynn Kim lynn2878@
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@
News 2 : from kbs global
All eyes have been on the frontman of SS501, Kim Hyun-joong, over the end of his contract with DSP Entertainment. Final confirmation arrived via many major news outlets early June 29th stating that Kim has indeed decided to leave DSP Entertainment for Keyeast Entertainment. Keyeast is where many well-known actors are signed under, including Bae Yong-joon (whom Kim Hyun-joong was sighted with before the official decision was made), Park Ye-jin, Bong Tae-gyoo, Lee Bo-young, Lee Na-young, and Hwanhee. Many have speculated that this decision will push him further into the acting realm.
Just because Kim has made his decision doesn’t put the bigger issue to rest: what will happen to SS501? The main possible options were that the group would break up, the group woud continue without their leader, or that they would continue their group activities with Kim signed under a different agency. Another related issue is that if Kim does indeed leave the group, will there be a new member to replace him?
Amid these speculations, Kim spoke out to Sports Korea saying that SS501 will not be breaking up. He said that although the remaining members have yet to make their decision regarding their contract with DSP, there are no plans at present for the group coming to an end. He said that whether he leaves and is replaced, or stays as the group’s leader, the group as a whole will go on. DSP reported that as the other members are currently on vacation, their final decisions will not be made until they return.
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