Singer Yoo Jun-won, the former center of the debut group Fantasy Boys, has been ordered to pay approximately 680 million won in damages following a lengthy legal battle with his former agency, Funky Studio.
The 31st Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court issued its ruling on October 8, marking a significant turn in a dispute that has persisted for over a year. The lawsuit was originally initiated by Funky Studio in September 2023, seeking 3 billion won in damages from Yoo for breach of contract. The legal proceedings were marked by multiple delays, including seven changes in hearing dates and unsuccessful mediation attempts.
Yoo Jun-won rose to prominence after securing first place on the MBC audition program Fantasy Boys – After School Crush Season 2. However, his path to debut was derailed by a public conflict involving demands for increased revenue distribution and his subsequent unauthorized departure from the team. While Yoo previously attempted to file an injunction to suspend his exclusive contract, that motion was denied by the court.
Throughout the dispute, Funky Studio maintained that Yoo’s decision to pursue independent activities, including planning private fan meetings, constituted a clear violation of his contractual obligations. Despite the escalating tension, Pocketdol Studio CEO Kim Gwang-su had previously offered a reconciliation, stating that the agency would welcome Yoo back if he chose to return. Yoo did not respond to these overtures, leading the agency to pursue the damages lawsuit in full.
Yoo’s defense had consistently argued that no formal exclusive contract was ever finalized, asserting that the parties had only signed a broadcasting appearance agreement for the audition show. Despite these claims, the court’s decision to award damages to the agency suggests a rejection of his defense.
The ruling comes at a precarious time for the singer, who recently signed with a new agency, Conti, in March of this year. Conti had previously expressed confidence that there were no legal impediments to Yoo’s career, citing a thorough review of the ongoing disputes. In a statement following the signing, the agency noted that it would “actively support the artist regarding the current damages claim lawsuit” and vowed to respond strictly to any malicious defamation.
With this court-ordered payment of 680 million won, the verdict is expected to have a substantial impact on Yoo’s ongoing and future entertainment activities. As he prepares to debut with his new group alongside other notable audition program alumni, this legal outcome serves as a major hurdle that could complicate his trajectory in the industry. Neither Yoo Jun-won nor his representatives have yet issued a formal statement regarding plans to appeal the court’s decision.
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