Ben Files Lawsuit Demanding Settlement of 700 Million Won against Former Agency Major Nine… First Trial on July 23
Singer Ben has filed a civil lawsuit against her former agency Major Nine demanding payment of settlement money.
The lawsuit revolves around an estimated amount of about 700 million won related to royalties from music releases and albums during Ben’s time with Major Nine, as well as future earnings. The first trial is scheduled to take place on July 23 at the 14th Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court.
The core issue of the lawsuit is the settlement of revenues generated from Ben’s past works released under Major Nine and any future earnings. Ben left the agency without renewing her exclusIVE contract, which expired in January 2023. She requested a portion of the earnings from her past works, but Major Nine refused to comply, leading to a legal dispute between the two parties.
In early 2023, both parties explored the possibility of reaching an agreement through court-mediated conciliation, but negotiations ultimately broke down in November of the same year.
The case was reassigned this year and is currently being handled by the newly assigned 14th Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court.
According to sources, there is a sharp difference in positions between the two parties regarding the settlement terms and interpretation of the agreement. Detailed clauses of the contract are likely to be a key point of contention during the legal proceedings.
During her time with Major Nine, Ben released many popular songs that garnered significant public love. Songs like “In Love”, “180 Degrees”, and “Thank You for Goodbye” are estimated to continue generating streaming revenue even after their release.
Therefore, the expected scale of earnings subject to settlement is considerable.
While Ben has refrained from making specific comments about the lawsuit, associates have conveyed that it is an “inevitable choice to reclaim rightful rights.”
Major Nine has not officially commented on the matter.
Both parties have been preparing for legal action for a long time since the termination of the contract, indicating that the lawsuit is likely to be a fierce legal battle.