110725 Avex Sues The Sumo Association For 143.4 Million Yen

(T/N: This article was translated from the magazine Shuukan Genzai. It’s a rather disorganized article and contains factual errors, so please take this article with a pinch of salt. Also, additional translator notes had to be added to make more sense out of this article, so please bear with me)

Even if you’ve never heard of the popular Korean idol group JYJ, you would probably be familiar with the name “Tohoshinki.” 5-man boyband Tohoshinki is a highly popular group that was ranked as the no.2 best selling artist for CDs & DVDs last year in Japan, with earnings close to  9.4 billion yen.

However, unexpected trouble has arisen due to their “Charity concert” which was held in the Ryogoku Kokugikan on 7 June this year.

Tohoshinki’s management company in Japan, the large recording label Avex has announced that they are currently suing the Japan Sumo Association, who owns and manages the Kokugikan. We will talk about the details of this lawsuit a little later,  but Tohoshinki has been facing various issues within the year.

During spring of last year, 3 of the 5 members in Tohoshinki revealed their unhappiness with the low amount of remuneration they were receiving, and broke away from their (Korean) management company, which is one of the largest entertainment companies in Korea. They became independent and started activities as “JYJ.” At the same time, they also left their Japanese management company Avex, and started doing activities independently. Currently, the two remaining members are continuing their promotional activities as “Tohoshinki.”

(T/N: This is a factual error. JYJ signed a new contract with Avex initially as JEJUNG/JUNSU/YUCHUN (JJY), which led to the release of the “The..” album as well as the “Thanksgiving Live in Dome” concerts, with Avex announcing the suspension of JYJ’s activities later in the year citing reasons as stated below)

However, it was later discovered that JYJ’s management company C-Jes Entertainment’s representative was involved in gang-related activities, and this was picked up by the sports papers. (T/N: Sports papers = Japanese tabloids)

Sending Propaganda Vehicles to Avex

Furthermore, this issue became complicated in May this year.

“On the morning of 6 May, in Tokyo’s Bunkyo City,  near Avex’s Executive Vice President Chiba Ryuhei’s home, right-wing propaganda vehicles turned up in an aggressive manner.

While yelling “AVEX!” they continuously played the Japanese anthem at a loud volume in the quiet residential area. These propaganda activities would happen for around 15 minutes at a time, and occur several times a day, continuing for a week. Chiba’s family were emotionally run down, and were too afraid to even step out of the house. Naturally, the police officers in the area came and gave repeated warnings about this.

Around the same time, the same propaganda vehicles visited the Avex head office in Aoyama, shouting about the nuclear plant and other unknown issues before leaving. The volume could be heard so loudly that it affected the operations within the office.” - Representative from the Police

The famous right-wing group that sent the vehicles explained that the protest was due to Avex’s actions to demand a prohibition.

<Korea’s JYJ planned to hold a charity concert in Saitama Super Arena aid of victims of the Tohoku Earthquake, an undertaking which would have contributed approximately 100 million yen but Avex used tyrannical methods to stop this from happening. When we heard about this….(omitted)  we felt that this was abhorrent behavior and therefore decided to protest against it.>

According to this right-wing group, JYJ had been planning for this charity since May of this year.

“Initially they planned to hold it at Tokyo Dome, and we received an inquiry from them. However, we hold the management rights within the country, and having this concert with such disregard would be a breach of contract, and therefore could not be allowed. The event location was informed that they would be held responsible as well, so Tokyo Dome refused to give its approval (for the event.)

C-Jes then approached Yokohama Arena, Saitama Super Arena and others, for a location to hold the event. We received inquiries from various locations and we gave the same explanation, requesting for them to desist. “

- Avex related personnel

Saitama Super Arena, who had already started selling tickets, panicked and withdrew (from the agreement) after receiving this notice from Avex.

Immediately after this, the protests happened.  Where the right-wing group heard about the event is unclear but, “After so much effort in organizing a charity event that could raise 100 million yen for the disaster victims, why are you raising objections and preventing the event from happening,” they argued with good reason.

It was around this time that suspicious people started “paying visits” to Avex.

Just before Golden Week, a man claiming to be from another right-wing group visited Avex, saying “The Koreans are helping to raise relief funds for the Japanese, so why are you causing problems for them?” and other things, raising his voice at the staff who served him.

Also, there was an incident of a man holding a name card of another group visiting the head office building, but was stopped by the security personnel.

Warnings Were Issued To (Japan Sumo Association) Chairman Hanaregoma

All of a sudden, the 7 June concert was to be held at the Kokugikan.

“An email came, with contents that said something similar to, “To the fans, this wouldn’t exactly be called a concert but more of a fanmeeting.” Although this was announced just before the event was held, most of the fans participated very happily. The tickets cost 8,500 yen per person. Compared to the time of Tohoshinki, the trio’s dances may seem a little lacking in power, and it was a pity that they couldn’t sing Tohoshinki songs, but the fans were really passionate as they were finally able to see the three members after a long time.“
- Female fan who attended the concert

However, Avex was enraged by this sudden concert. “We informed all concert venues that JYJ and C-JeS were in breach of contract, and requested for them not to hold the concert. However, the Kokugikan silently pushed through with it.

“On 10 May, we issued a warning letter addressed to the Executive Director of the Japan Sumo 

Association(JSA) and distinctly requested for a cancellation. But a representative of the Sumo Association called us on 12 May and said “Settle the problem among yourselves,” “Because we have already given them approval to use the venue, and also received payment.” in a hostile manner.  On 2 June, just before the concerts, we sent another warning to Chairman Hanaregoma, but was completely ignored.” - Avex related personnel

Avex even applied for a provisional disposition to prevent the concert from happening, but it was held nonetheless. And now, they are now suing the Sumo Association and its management partners, requesting for 143.4 million yen in compensation at the Tokyo district courts.

This compensation amount was calculated from the expected profit that Avex would have earned as the rightful management company, if they had held the concert.

“All of the concert venues in Japan refused to hold this concert because they knew about the problems between ourselves, the right-wing groups and gang-related people. But for some reason, the Kokugikan agreed (to hold this concert.) We suspect that it’s possible that they may be connected to those (right-wing groups and/or gangs) sides” - Avex management staff

The Sumo circle have always seen gang-related people sitting in the “ijiin” seats (T/N: the best seats closest to the sumo ring) , and there has been rumours that the “oyakatas” (T/N: Sumo coaches) have gang connections as well. With regards to this lawsuit, the Sumo Association said, “ We have yet to be able to verify this writ, so we are unable to reply to your inquiries.”

For the Sumo Association, who were finally able to hold their “Grand Tournament,” after being plagued by misfortune, a popular idol group concert would definitely have been something that they would want very badly. However, it resulted in them antagonizing a big record company.

Source : [Shuukan Genzai]
Translated & Shared by : dongbangdata.net

110720 CEO Max is Forced to Shut Down His Twitter

avex CEO Mr. Matsuura’s twitter is under fire…he is forced to shut down his Twitter

14:08 July 19 (Tues), 2011

The CEO of avex, Mr. Masato Matsuura’s twitter is under fire, and he is forced to shut down his twitter.

There was a suspicion that a Chinese singer stole a song composed by Jaejoong (ex-member of Tohoshinki, currently a member of JYJ). There was a rumor on the internet that it was an act of Mr. Matsuura (and those around him). In regard to this, Mr. Matsuura said on the 17th that “I don’t have anything to do with it, and I don’t know anything about it. But there are those who send me childish complains anonymously, selfishly misunderstanding the situation. It sucks, and also lame… This time, we are the victims. Thanks for your understanding.” (T/N: pls click for the trans here.) And receiving slander comments continuously, he tweeted, “There is no meaning doing such things, so I will be off from twitter, excluding the time I’ll be uploading my photos!”

After that, his followers sent “Please do not quit”, but he responded by “But, some jy (T/N: twitter user’s account name) said I should quit (Lol)”. Some of the fans on twitter exploded their anger.　”Don’t call the group name like that, you are the CEO” “Keep in mind of your position”. They also send other attacking comments, and Mr. Matsuura’s twitter became an exchange of words, and thus, under fire. Mr. Matsuura responded to many comments of his followers saying “I cannot leave this untouched.” Afterwards he tweeted “Thank you for everything up to today. There are stupid persons like me (Lol). I am happy that there are those who understood a stupid person like me, and also, understood somewhat of my few good points, too. So,for the time being, good bye” “So, see you!”

There are contractual problems between avex and JYJ, and there are various conjectures on the internet concerning avex and JYJ.

(Keisuke Orimoto)

T/N: Mr. Matsuura’s twitter account @masatomatsuura is currently deleted.

Source: RBB TODAY
Translation: smiley @ OneTVXQ.com
Credits: OneTVXQ.com { One World. One Red Ocean. One TVXQ! }
Feel free to repost, but please leave the full credits intact. Thanks!

10717 CEO Max’s Twitter Update

Please read from bottom to top.

I don’t have anything to do with it, and I don’t know anything about it. But there are those who send me childish complains anonymously, selfishly misunderstanding the situation. It sucks, and also lame… This time, we are the victims. Thanks for your understanding.

YES! RT @kana_tw5: @masatomatsuura Everyone was blaming avex without knowing anything. I also thought a little bit “Maybe avex is wrong”, and I am very sorry about that(>_

To tell the truth, this story is as a bolt from the blue. I don’t know why I have to hear complains about the things which they did without permission. I will take necessary actions in order to protect all the artists. I did not know anything about this case, but I will deal with this issue. For the time being, this is my word.

RT @masatomatsuura: RT @abendjpn: Recently, a Chinese singer covered Jaejoong’s song. I became interested, so I investigated the case. I found out that the Chinese singer who has no relation whatsoever with company a (T/N: avex) translated and sung the song without permission. As usual, the people in that country is interesting. The video in YouTube has a different logo (of a company), they are stealing and it is really tricky.

Credits: masatomatsuura @ Twitter
Trans: smiley @ OneTVXQ.com
You’re strongly advised not to take the translators’ translation out without proper credits!

110629 JYJ Junsu’s Brother Junho To Debut In Japan With New Single “Fate”

The Korean group that even boasts enormous popularity in Japan, JYJ’s Kim Junsu’s twin brother Junho. Recently he appeared on the red carpet of the closing ceremony for the 14th Shanghai International Film Festival in China. Junho has been active not just in Japan but in all of Asia, and he will be making his major debut in August with Avex, and has recently decided the title of his new single.

Junho’s new single has been titled “Fate”, a title that has been chosen with all of Junho’s feelings. With this idea of “fate”, it has a similar sense as to a baseball player who has walked his whole life as a baseball player but then decides to enter the entertainment business. After last year’s debut in China, Junho will be debuting in Japan this year and the feeings he has of this challenge he is determined to win is evident in his lyrics.

Before his debut, an teaser video of his new single “Fate” will be available, with the idea that “Beyond the belief in your fate, there is your future”, and this will aired on his official site on June 29th.

From now and further into the future, Junho will be creating a buzz throughout Asia.

Teaser Vid 

credit: wowkorea+junho-jp
trans+shared by: sharingyoochun.net

110625 N-Train’s Jung Jung Gyun Says, “Thanks To JYJ’s Kim Jaejoong, I Avoided Being Conned”

N-Train’s Jung Jung Gyun talked of an experience in which he was nearly conned.

N-Train is a five-member boy band with members Jung Jung Gyun, Jung Seung Hyun, Soul J, Song Yoo Jin, and Kim Sang Woo. They have been garnering great attention for being the boy band that was created by Producer Kim Chang Hwan, the person behind Chae Yeon, Lee Jung and Kim Gun Mo.

Leader Jung Jung Gyun is originally from the group Tachyon, and became well-known when he appeared in MBC’s audition program’ Showvival’. After the program, the team stopped their activities and Jung Jung Gyun revealed that the team was almost conned twice.

He said, “In 2008, we were contacted by a Chinese company and even signed a contract. But after the Szechuan earthquake, the company stopped contacting us. So our Chinese debut never happened.”

He continued to say, “One of our team members left and we were left with just two people. But we met someone who said that he was ‘someone who was working in Avex in Japan’. We met with him a couple of times and he showed us pictures of him with Avex singers, so we couldn’t help but believe what he was saying. So we flew to Japan,” and “At that time, JYJ’s Kim Jaejoong was singing as a member of TVXQ in Japan. Because TVXQ works with Avex, I asked Jaejoong about it and he said that ‘There’s someone in the company with that name.‘ But the more we talked, the more I felt that something just wasn’t right.”

Jung Jung Gyun said, “Something was amiss so I called Jaejoong again. I kept asking him this and that and when I told him about what the man was wearing and what he looked like, Jaejoong said, ‘There’s no one like that here, he doesn’t work in Avex. Come back,’ so we returned to Korea. I’m still so thankful to Jaejoong.“

(omitted)

Source: [sports chosun]
Translated & Shared by: dongbangdata.net

110608 JYJ’s Japanese Charity Concert Ends In Great Success

JYJ’s Japanese charity concert ended in great success.

Having already donated 600 million Won for the victims of the earthquake that shook the nation of Japan in March, JYJ held a successful charity concert on the 7th at 2pm and 7pm with 20,000 fans at the Yoyogi National Stadium in Tokyo.

This was JYJ’s first Japanese concert since Avex put a halt on all JYJ activities last October so the two-hour performance was meaningful for both JYJ and their Japanese fans.

Hiroko Saito(25), a fan who attended the concert, stated, “I was nervous because I thought the concert was cancelled due to Avex’s obstructions. I was so happy to see JYJ performing in Japan.” Yuko Yoko(37) stated, “I received a great amount of courage from JYJ who were sincere in their worries throughout the concert of the victims of the earthquake. I will continue to support JYJ’s future activities.”

CEO Baek Chang Joo of C-JeS Entertainment stated, “The fans played a big role in holding this concert,” and “Though others tried to stop us from using certain concert venues, they were unable to break down the passion of the fans who support JYJ. Please think of this performance, not only as a charity concert, but the signal that signifies the start of JYJ’s Japanese activities.“

JYJ, who successfully ended their charity concert in Japan, will be greeting Korean fans at the Busan Sajik Indoor Gymnasium on the 11th and 12th of this month.

JYJ’s popularity continues to soar as their music essay ‘Their Rooms, Our Story’ was deemed the best seller of celebrity-written books of this year by Kyobo Books.

Source: [mydaily]
Translated & Shared by: dongbangdata.net

110603 C-JeS Press Release – Regarding The Lawsuit Filed Against Avex Management

With regards to the yesterday’s withdrawal of the provisional injunction, it was withdrawn due to the following case.

Currently, Avex is asserting that JYJ’s exclusive management contract termination is not valid, and used unfair influences to conduct obstructive measures against the charity event in question.

We have decided to take action against this, and from now on, will assert the legitimacy of our company in the courts of law.

About The Lawsuit Filed Against Avex Management

With regards to our company and our company’s artist JYJ’s activities, we would like to report that we filed a lawsuit against Avex Management for an injunction against the obstruction of our company’s management activities.

Our company had been planning to hold the JYJ Tohoku earthquake charity event which is scheduled for 7 June, and although we had gotten consent from the planned venue Saitama Super Arena (SSA) and sold tickets, it became a situation where the SSA homepage put up a notice stating that “it was decided that it would not be appropriate to approve the use of our venue.” The change in venue brought about inconvenience and confusion to everyone who had purchased the tickets, and we apologise for the worry caused.

This situation was a result of a message from Avex to the SSA side, with the key point being that “Without Avex as a proxy, JYJ cannot hold activities as artists in Japan,” so “we request that the use of venue for JYJ’s artists’ activities be denied,” and this was how things started.

However, our company and Avex’s exclusive contract for JYJ had been terminated on 22 February of this year, due to the non-fulfilment of obligations, and with this termination, Avex had lost their exclusive rights over the management of JYJ in Japan. Accordingly, Avex’s reason given to SSA for the request to not approve the use of their location was actually an untruth.

Our company had been in preliminary discussions with Avex, with the consideration of the fans and artists’ wellbeing as our top priority, and were in discussions with Avex with the aim of resolution. However, Avex had unilaterally announced the suspension of JYJ’s activities in Japan, and Avex had not fulfilled any of its promised management duties in Japan as per the contract for over half a year, so we were forced to terminate the contract with Avex due to breach of contract.

Despite this, Avex insists that the termination of the current contract is invalid, and for this charity event and personally, without taking any form of legal action, used their influential power as a big corporation and told untruths to the venue side from the background, utilizing unfair influences to obstruct this charity event.

In light of the abovementioned actions from Avex, our company had requested for a proper verdict from courts, and although we had been forced to seek a preliminary injunction against Avex from the Tokyo District Courts a few days ago,  given the current circumstances of the charity event being just around the corner, it was decided that we would not continue with the lawsuit against Avex, as stated in the topic (of this press release).

In the future, we will be asserting our company’s legitimacy in the courts of law, but for this charity event, and with the fans’ and artists’ wellbeing being our priority,  we will continue to do our best. We thank everyone for their understanding.

Source : [C-JeS]
Translated & Shared by : dongbangdata.net

110603 JYJ Withdraws Their ‘Lawsuit Against Avex’.. Why?

It has been found that JYJ(Xiah Junsu, YoungWoong Jaejoong, Micky Yoochun) have withdrawn their provisional injunctions against TVXQ’s Japanese agency Avex for obstructions against JYJ’s concert, at the Tokyo local district courts.

On the 2nd, Avex revealed on its official website that, ‘On May 27th, C-JeS Entertainment(JYJ’s management agency) withdrew their provisional injunctions without waiting for the verdict of the Courts.’

Regarding the action, Avex stated that they were ‘were confident that this case would be dismissed’ and that, ‘Zak Corp. and C-JeS had considered that it would have been difficult for their two claims to stand, and had decided to abandon this application for provision injunction.’

Even before the withdrawal of the provisional injunctions, Avex took a strong stance on the issue as they stated, ‘The charity event for the victims of the earthquake was planned without the permission of Avex, who have the sole rights to the management of JYJ’s Japanese activities,’ and ‘We have done nothing but react accordingly and rightfully to this violation.”

C-JeS, along with Zak Corporation, had filed two provisional injunctions against Avex on the cancellation of JYJ’s charity event, stating that, ‘The actions of Avex and their obstructions against JYJ’s concert were unlawful.’

Prain, the PR agency of JYJ, stated, “The litigations were taken up against Avex to protest the violent obstructions by Avex against JYJ’s Japanese concert,” and “But JYJ are now able to perform on the 7th, bringing us to the conclusion that there is no need to carry through with the injunctions, which lead to its withdrawal.”
Source: [edaily star in]
Translated & Shared by: dongbangdata.net

110603 Junsu’s Brother Junho Deletes His Twitter Account

T/N: These are Junho’s last tweets before he deleted his account today. As you can see from the mentions he has given to some of Junsu’s fans who criticized him, the hateful tweets he received from those against him (and for some, his decision to work with Avex) had a great impact on him, leading to the deletion of his Twitter account.]

(Junho) @joni588 I just want to say one thing to you. Though I am grateful that you love and worry about my little brother, I do not believe that I think and worry about my little brother any less than you do. I, too, always pray that things will turn out well and my heart aches so much when a problem arises. I just want you to know that my decision (to work with Avex) was not one that I made thinking only of my own success.

(Junho) @zinnie06 You say that I faulted fans.. Where in my tweets did you get that impression? To you, I am a person who always causes harm to my little brother. I apologize for being such a person.

(Junho) I’m thinking of deleting my Twitter account because I think I’ll feel better if I don’t tweet in Korean anymore. Will me stopping my tweets like this make those who spoke ill of me become genial? If I just give up everything, would that make things run smoothly for them(JYJ)? I don’t know either. This situation wears me out as I can’t tell you everything about what’s going on..

(Junho) I’m so sorry to the people who have shown me their support till now. From now on, I’ll work hard and not let my mind wander to other things. I think I gained a lot of strength from your support when I tweeted while I was traveling overseas. I would like to thank you all once more. Thank you all, and I love you. Take care of your health.

(Junho) I’m not deleting this account because I’m scared of those tweets or because I’m avoiding them. I started this account knowing that things like this would definitely happen because I work in this particular industry. Because I read each and every mention that I receive and because I keep reading such tweets, I keep thinking about them and I find myself unable to concentrate, so I laid down this decision in order to completely immerse myself in my work.

(Junho) I am still such a small presence in this life. I’ll be on the same level as others only if I work harder than them as I started my career much later. From now on, I’m going to do nothing but focus on my work. I’m always short on time anyway. I will keep the hearts of those who have supported me till now in my heart and focus on my work completely without thinking of anything else. I will keep working and working hard.

(Junho) Last of all, I would like to apologize once more to the fans of Junsu who have had a hard time because of my decision. I believe that you will protect my little brother till the end. Take care of your health and be happy.

Source: [Junho's Twitter account]

Translated & Shared by: dongbangdata.net

110602 Avex Press Release – Regarding the JUNSU/JEJUNG/YUCHUN Event Application For Provisional Injunction

Regarding the JUNSU/JEJUNG/YUCHUN Event Application For Provisional Injunction

As stated in our press release on 28 April, in relation to the Tohoku Earthquake Charity Event by our company’s artists JUNSU/JEJUNG/YUCHUN, the organisers Zak Corporation (Zak Corp.) and JJY’s Korean management company C-JeS ENTERTAINMENT.Co.ltd (C-JeS) had filed for 2 charges of provisional disposition against our company for unfair correspondence, at the Tokyo local district courts.

・ Heisei 23^rd Year, No. 1115 Application for provisional injunction against obstruction of business operations (Civil Matters, 9^th Dept)
Claimant (Complainant) = Zak Corp.
・ Heisei 23^rd Year, No. 22020 Application for Provisional Disposition Order (Civil Matters, 46^th Dept)
Claimant (Complainant) = Zak Corp. & C-JeS (Joint Claim by both companies)

With regards to the 2 counts of provisional injunction, our company had asserted its legitimacy on the issue, and we were confident that this case would be dismissed.  However on 27 May, Zak Corp. and C-JeS had, without waiting for the final decision, withdrawn both claims.

Zak Corp. and C-JeS had considered that it would have been difficult for their two claims to stand, and had decided to abandon this application for provision injunction. With such facts, we can simply conclude that legally, our claims are valid.

The above is what we would like to report.

(T/N: Heisei 23rd Year = 2011)

Source : [avex.co.jp]

Translated & Shared by : dongbangdata.net

JYJ’s Japanese Fans Take Unusual Step of Taking Collective Action for Foreign Artist

“Even Charity Concerts…” Japanese Fans Angered at Interference With JYJ Concert 

“Avex sold CDs and DVDs without consultation with C-JeS (which is JYJ’s Korean management company) even though it had unilaterally suspended JYJ’s activities. Our fans (Japanese fans) who had been watching silently in the meanwhile reached the limits of our patience when Avex interfered with JYJ’s charity concert in Japan. We are furious at Avex which is interfering with an event for the benefit of Japan’s victims by using the contract as a shield.” (JYJ Japanese fan, Twitter ID @keiko04)

“Although under contract, (Avex is) not letting them be active, and also not terminating the contract. For what reason could this be?” (@byoru1)

The popular 3-person idol group JYJ (Park Yoochun, Kim Junsu, Kim Jaejooong) is facing a difficult time with regards to appearing on domestic broadcasts due to the after-effects of withdrawing from TVXQ. When Avex put the brakes on to make even its Japanese activities become difficult (to materialize), JYJ fans have stood up to action.

The direct impetus is from the time of the relaying of the news that JYJ’s plans for a large-scale charity concert in Japan to help the victims of the March 11 earthquakes (June 7) has been put in danger of foundering due to Avex’s sabotage. It is that the discontent of the Japanese fans which had been seething at the treatment of Avex to announce the suspension of JYJ’s activities suddenly in last October has exploded at the potential of the concert’s foundering.

When a few Japanese fans drafted a “demand letter” to Avex that demanded the resumption of JYJ’s Japanese activitieson the 19^th of last month, within less than one month more than 10,000 fans participated in signing.

The result of <Hankyoreh> asking the opinions of Japanese fans on this situation through Twitter is that within a few hours more than 200 writings flooded the newspaper. As the pointing-out of the Japanese fans mentioned earlier, the writings are mostly of the content that one cannot understand the behavior of Avex.

That Japanese fans stand up to take collective action to publicly express an opinion for a Korean Wave star is an extreme anomaly.

In particular, the date of JYJ’s charity concert coincides with the date that TVXQ performs in “Seoul-Osaka Music of Heart 2011, Fighting Japan!” and so suspicions are becoming focused on the circumstances surrounding its cancellation.

According to a recent press release from C-JeS, JYJ had planned to hold a charity concert on the 7^th of next month in the Saitama Super Arena which has the seating capacity of approximately 20,000 and had even finished the contract to rent the venue but suddenly was notified of the contract’s cancellation.

JYJ showed themselves to be actively sympathizing with the pains of the disaster, donating 600,000,000 KRW (approximately 600,000 USD) immediately after the earthquakes, saying that they “would like to return the help received from the Japanese fans.”

Perhaps due to this, among some fans there are responses that say: “It is too much to interfere even with a charity concert” and “I am ashamed to be a Japanese.”

The Twitter ID @eyua raised a question: “At this time when due to the nuclear issues many foreigners are returning home (away from Japan), JYJ says that they want to come in order to help in the revival of Japan, out of good will as human beings—why is this not allowed?”

C-JeS pointed to Avex as the forces behind the cancellation of the venue’s rental, saying that “Avex’s sustained and relentless sabotage attempts became the fuse of this incident (of the contract’s cancellation).” At this, C-JeS hurriedly contracted with another venue but it has become known that whether the concert will be held or not is currently unclear.

Paek Changjoo, director of C-JeS, said in a phone call with <Hankyoreh> that “in order to accomplish the concert in any way possible, we are in the middle of persuading the venue affiliates and others.” JYJ’s charity concert began selling tickets on April 5 and is known to be sold out as of now.

Prior to this, director Paek wrote on the home page to the Japanese fans, asking for understanding that: “Because the Japanese fans had been waiting for JYJ’s stage for a long time, we thought of even cancelling the concert because we could not show a properly-equipped concert. But in order to keep the promise with many fans who had waited for JYJ in trust and in patience, we decided to push ahead with the concert.”

Director Paek revealed that even though Avex officially contracted with C-JeS regarding JYJ’s Japanese activities last March which is after the division of TVXQ and so recognized JYJ’s activities within Japan, in October of last year suddenly notified the “suspension of activities” of JYJ within Japan.

Director Paek revealed: “On the surface it is raising as reasons my personal issues and that (JYJ is) in the middle of a conflict with TVXQ. But in truth, it seems that it is attempting to take the rights relating to the management of the international activities of JYJ.”

The Japanese weekly <Shukan Bunshu> recently reported that on this, Avex revealed: “Because the 3 of JYJ are singers attached to Avex, the concert contract is a clear breach of contract. Further, as we see it, (even though this event is a charity concert) this event has a profit-making motive. Currently we are filing for an injunction on the infringement of business rights.”

However, Japanse fans asked back in the demand letter: “If Avex argues that it did not know the past of the director of C-JeS prior to the signing of the contract and claim that this is the cause of the suspension of the contract, then is it not that they were negligent on their obvious (duty to the) task of prior research and examination of a company that is an object of collaboration?” Further, on the reason of being in conflict (with TVXQ) the demand letter also pointed out that: “By the April of last year when JYJ resumed its activities in Japan, the problem of confirming the exclusive contract between the 3 and SM had already been resolved through the (injunction judgment of the) Korean Court of October of year 2009.” It argued that: “Therefore the issue that Avex raises as the reason for the suspension of the activities – that “there is a possibility that the exclusive contract itself may become invalid according to the results of the trial” – is already meaningless.” Because the Japanese market is the biggest market for JYJ, if they find it difficult to be active there it is expected to be a large blow.

JYJ, which his currently in a conflict with the mega-entertainment agency SM Entertainment (hereafter SM) won against the Objection and the Injunction to Suspend the Effects of the Exclusive Contract (contract between JYJ and C-JeS) and was guaranteed independent entertainment activities until the main suit is decided. However, public broadcast stations and cable and satellite broadcasters are being wary of SM and other mega-entertainment activities and are avoiding their appearance on music programs. Director Paek said: “The results of the lawsuit is currently not affecting the appearance on broadcast at all.”

Therefore, JYJ is concentrating on tours outside of Korea, including Japan.

JYJ’s 4-time Asia Tour which kicked off in Thailand on April 2^nd through 3^rd gathered approximately 43,000 fans.

source: Hankyoreh
translation credit: JYJ3

shared by: sharingyoochun.net

110505 JYJ's Japanese fans release statement against Avex

In response to the escalating controversy over JYJ's cancelled charity concert and recent lawsuit against Avex Entertainment, JYJ's Japanese fans expressed their support for the trio by releasing a statement.

The Japanese fans posted a statement against Avex in hopes that it will stop the restrictions on JYJ's TV appearances in Japan. The statement reads, "Since September of 2010, the restrictions set upon by the company has started. The restriction rips the right of JYJ fans to listen to their songs. During this period, the fans patiently waited for the restriction on JYJ's Japanese activities to stop and we had expressed our request to your company. However, to this day, we received no reply or explanation in regards to that matter. JYJ, who has lived in Japan for a period of time, had wanted to attend a charity concert [planned for the Japanese earthquake] but could not due to issues on the contract between management companies. They were given the reason of possible dangers at the event and was denied the opportunity to perform. We feel that Avex's need to prevent their appearance on events such as charity concerts is too farfetched. We feel that Avex is using all its powers to prevent JYJ any means of exposure in Japan and we hope that JYJ will be able to resume their musical activities soon."

Excerpts from the original statement are provided:

1. C-JeS was established in Korea in December of 2009, and its company records could be requested by anyone. Avex [herein after referred to as 'Your company'] had previously claimed that the Vice President is close friends with a C-JeS representative. Yet, your company claims that they did not know about details of C-JeS when signing the contract and uses this as the reason for contract termination. Isn't it common procedure to research on the other party before signing a contract with them?

2. JYJ are now the ambassadors for World-Oka, and they represent Korea in events that garner international attention. Their activities and public involvement in Korea were never interfered due to the reason that their management company is C-JeS. How is it that JYJ's activities in Korea occur without issues, yet there is such a big social stigma against them in Japan due to their Korean management company?

3. JYJ started their Japanese activities in April of 2010. The three members' lawsuit with SM and their exclusive contracts were solved in October of 2009. However, your company uses the reason of "possible complications with JYJ and SM's exclusive contract clause that could render our contract with them null" to cease their Japanese activities. The issue with Tohoshinki and SM is different with the problem of JYJ with your company - associating them as the same thing causes public confusion on the matter.

4. Avex disregards all the circumstances stated above, and uses non-commercial logic to cease the management duties for the three members. This already nullifies the contract they have with JYJ. It is mind-boggling that [your company] did not provide accommodations and arrange events for the three members according to the contract. To ignore the wishes of JYJ and their fans to resume their Japanese activities and remain in this hiatus for eight months is simply unfathomable.

5. Your company has ceased all JYJ activities but is still selling their CDs and DVDs. Yet the Oricon pamphlet that are included in the CDs states, "Before sales, the management company has requested that the numbers will not reflect on the rankings in the Oricon Chart." This is a blatant public deception - fans will continue to support and buy the products but the popularity of JYJ is not reflected publicly.

JYJ's Korean fans have already expressed their frustration and attempts on resuming JYJ activities but Japanese fans have remained calm during this period. However, this statement released by the Japanese fans clearly shows that they have reached a breaking point and has garnered attention from around the world. An expert in the field states, "This event shows the Japanese fans are fed up with the way Avex is interfering with JYJ activities."

Even before the fans released their statement, C-JeS's CEO Baek Changju released a statement on the company's Japanese site on April 28th, stating, "This concert was organized to thank the fans that have been waiting so patiently. I will use whatever means possible to ensure that this concert will be held successfully. No matter how many obstacles JYJ will face in the future, as long as it can provide fans with JYJ's music, we will be there. We will fight until the end no matter what costs it may bring."

Source: TV Daily and Korea Star
Credits: Koreaboo
Shared by: DBSKnights

110429 “Why Prevent Aid For Earthquake Victims?” Japanese Fans Raise Objections To Cancellation Of JYJ’s Japan Event

JYJ’s Charity Event for the Tohoku Earthquake was cancelled due to the big Japanese corporation AVEX, and the Japanese fans have stood up to raise their objections to this.

JYJ’s management company C-JeS had recently applied for an injunction to the Tokyo District courts claiming that “Avex is using inappropriate means to prevent the concert from happening.”

In relation to this, C-JeS, via their company homepage, left a message for the Japanese fans saying “For the sake of repaying everybody for their love, we planned a charity concert in hopes that we would recover from the Tohoku Earthquake as soon as possible. However, even though we pushed forward with the thoughts of wanting to do whatever we can, regardless of our intention, the cancellation of the concert, as well as other troubles occurred.  The tickets had already been sold, and to everybody who had been looking forward to the concert, we apologise for the inconvenience caused.”

Following that, they also said “When I thought about the Japanese fans who had been waiting for JYJ’s performance for a long time, I decided that we cannot showcase a slipshod performance. We considered cancelling the performance, but to keep the promise that we made to the fans who have been silently waiting and believing in JYJ, we decided that the performance will go on.”

The local Japanese fans have also voiced strong objections to this. On 19 April, the Japanese fans submitted their collective viewpoint to Avex, saying “In September of last year, Avex announced that JYJ’s activities would be suspected, robbing us JYJ fans of the opportunity to listen to them sing.” “During this period, the fans have been waiting for JYJ to resume activities in Japan, but so far, Avex has yet to give us a proper explanation for the suspension of their activities.”

Furthermore, the Japanese fans pointed out that despite Avex’s suspension of JYJ’s activities, they had continued to sell JYJ’s albums and DVDs, as well as other issues. Fans said, “As fans and consumers, we deserve an explanation for this contradicting situation. If the situation cannot be improved, please resolve the contract issues as soon as possible, and return JYJ to us!”

Finally, the Japanese fans said, “We hope that Kim Jaejoong, Park Yoochun and Kim Junsu can walk freely on this new musical path, and fans can freely enjoy their music.” “This petition has nothing to do with either C-JeS or the 3 members of JYJ, and it was not discussed with them beforehand, and is purely the opinion of the Japanese fans.”

A related personnel said, “This is different from the active methods of the Korean fans, who have put up numerous advertisements so far. Till now, the Japanese fans have always been very quiet. However, this incident is due to the fact that the Japanese fans are no longer able to tolerate Avex’s obstruction of JYJ’s activities in Japan.”

With regards to this incident, the Avex side announced on 28 April that “Our company had repeatedly raised strong objections to the C-JeS side, but they still decided to push forward with the ticket sales.” “As we hold the exclusive rights, it is only natural that we take proper action against such acts of (rights) infringement.”

Source: [BaiduTVXQ + Mydaily]

 Translated & Shared by : dongbangdata.net

110428 Kim Junho Tweets About His Decision To Work With Avex Despite Its Relationship With His Brother

An article regarding the Japanese company I’ll be working with has finally been published. I think there will be lot of people who worry and have unkind things to say about the decision. I had been talking to this agency even before the guys’ problem arose, and I finally made the decision to pursue the venture, seven months since the happening began, after thinking about it and discussing it with my family and those around me.

We’ve settled it so that there is a minimum chance of the situation becoming a problem, so please don’t worry about it too much. I, too, thought long and hard before laying down this decision. Though you may say that it was the wrong decision to make, it has been made and I must take full responsibility of what is to come. I just hope you do not hurt my family. I will just work hard. I’m sorry and I thank you all.

Source: [Junho's Twitter]
Translated & Shared by: dongbangdatat.net

110428 Avex’s Statement Concerning JYJ’s Charity Event

April 28, 2011

To Whom It May Concern

Avex Group Holdings Inc.

Concerning the Charity Event by JUNSU/JEJUNG/YUCHUN

There was an announcement on April 5 this year, that JUNSU/JEJUNG/YUCHUN (exclusive artists of our company, hereinafter named “JJY”) will hold a charity support event (hereinafter called “this event”) for the Tohoku Kanto Earthquake Disaster.

This event was planned without receiving any permission from our company, which holds the exclusive management rights for JJY in Japan.

Our company has protested multiple times to the organizer ZAK Corporation (hereinafter named “ZAK Corp”) and JJY’s Korean management company, C-JeS ENTERTAINMENT, Co.ltd (hereinafter named “C-Jes Corp” ). However, they have not listened to our protests, and forced through with the ticket sales unilaterally.

Concerning our company’s above handlings, we have received many comments and requests from JJY fans that this event should push through. Or, that since the sole purpose is for charity, we should especially dissolve the exclusive contract. On the other hand, we have received protests from multiple antisocial forces. 

Furthermore, we were under duress that our president should be harmed, etc.

However, our company holds the exclusive rights for JJY’s activities in Japan, and we have just taken actions for the infringement rightfullly and properly.

Additionally, as we have announced in our press release of September 16 last year, there remains to be compliance problems such as the criminal record of the President of C-JeS in assaulting/blackmailing an artist (of whom he was in charge of). Moreover, the exclusive contract declaratory judgment is still going on in Korea. Therefore, we have no other choice than to suspend the activities of JJY until these are settled.

In spite of the above circumstances, ZAK Corp and C-JeS have in their joint names, and, as ZAK Corp by itself, have filed two provisional dispositions against our company to the Tokyo District Court, claiming that our company’s handlings have no legitimate basis.

Hereafter, our company will contend our legitimacy at the judicature.

Our company does not think that the JJY members themselves are aware of everything that is happening.
Our company wishes that the JYJ members will understand the situation correctly and the real intention of our company.
 

Additionally, as we have been consistently commenting, our company long for the day where the compliance and legal problems in Korea will be resolved, and that our company can once again manage JJY. Furthermore, to resume the artists’ activities as Tohoshinki . We will do our best in the future.

For the fans who support JJY, we understand that we are making all of you worry.
 

We appreciate your kind understanding on the above.

Source: Avex Group Holdings Inc
Translations: smiley @ OneTVXQ.com
Special Thanks: ミ♥ Lovedust @ OneTVXQ.com
Credits: OneTVXQ.com { One World. One Red Ocean. One TVXQ! }
Feel free to repost, but please leave the full credits intact. Thanks!

110428 Junho – JYJ Junsu’s Twin Brother To Debut In Japan In August

It was revealed that Junho, the older twin brother of JYJ’s Junsu will be making his Japan debut in August 2011. Also, a photobook will be released in July, before his debut, and it was announced that he will be performing at “Girl’s Award” on 29 April.

Although you can feel the image of his younger brother Junsu from his looks, standing at a height of 188cm, with body proportions that were honed from his days as a baseball player, Junho shows a distinctly different charm as compared to his younger brother. In 2008, Junho appeared in a Korean variety show, and attracted attention for his activities as a CF model.

After being forced to retire from baseball due to an injury, he made his official debut in China in 2010. With the announcement, he held debut showcases all over Asia, including Japan. In the Chinese music industry, he won the Best Newcomer Award for the “2009 Music King – World Chinese Music Awards Ceremony” In March 2010, he released his first album “Nothing to lose” in China, and sold approximately 50,000 copies, going Platinum. In the same year, he also held fan-meetings all over China, and recorded a total audience of 20,000 people, with his fanclub in China boasting over 100,000 people. Also, in a popular Chinese mini-blog service, his follower numbers are currently at around 200,000 people.

In the meanwhile, with the intent to expand the locations of his activities, he signed a contract with Avex, which led to his Japan debut.

His Japanese debut single, which is scheduled to be released on 3 August, will be an original song, and the first time he has ever sung in Japanese. It will be a dance number that shows his well trained figure. The recording of this single will be done in Tokyo. Junho said, “I want to make a great piece of work together with the many staff,” and, although he had a lot of difficulty singing his first Japanese song, he had the right attitude and worked hard throughout the night for his recording.

“I’m really thankful for the continued support that everyone has been giving me. This time, through avex, I am really happy to have more chances to meet with everyone in Japan. I can feel the warmth of everyone’s heart, from the plentiful music that they have kindly provided me with. I want to use my own determination, and work towards the first step of making it into the Oricon top 10.” – Junho

Also, before the single is released, a photobook in the form of a road movie, detailing Junho’s time in Tokyo is scheduled for release in the later part of July. Also, he will be performing in the “Girls Award by CROOZ blog 2011 SPRING/SUMMER” which will be held on 29 April in the Yoyogi National Gymnasium together with ICONIQ、SDN48、JAMOSA、ZE:A、AAA、NERDHEAD feat Mai.K、Be-ppin and others.

“Because this is the first photobook in Japan, I have put my heart into it. Although I’m still not used to photoshoots, I worked hard, and put a lot of feeling into it, because I want to make a good product. The “Girl’s Award” is my first major performance in Japan, so I’m a little worried but, because I want to show a good performance, I am practicing very hard every day. I’m also enjoying myself as I do this, but please enjoy yourselves as well. i want to showcase an enthusastic performance and make it as enjoyable as possible. Because I am trying my best, please lend me your support.” – Junho

Source : [Barks.jp]
Translated & Shared by : dongbangdata.net

JYJ’s DVD and Album Excluded from Japan’s Oricon Chart

JYJ fans have yet another issue on their hands, as it was recently discovered that Japan’s Oricon chart excluded JYJ’s album from its rankings.

Representatives of Oricon Chart reported, “JYJ’s ‘DVD Memories in 2010‘ and their album, ‘Thanksgiving Live in Dome Live CD‘, will both be excluded from the chart rankings.”

According to Oricon, the decision was made in deference to Avex Entertainment’s condition of distribution. The Japanese agency had claimed their contracts with JYJ to be invalid as of September 2010. Consequently, this halt on their Japanese activities brought up discussions of whether or not JYJ’s albums would be still distributed. Avex agreed to release the albums under the condition that the trio are prohibited from promoting and advertising their releases for monetary gain.

The albums were eventually released on March 2nd to “revitalize the market“, but Oricon explained that they would be excluded from the rankings chart since it is also a form of advertisement.

After hearing about the notice, fans have been expressing their outrage over the situation by leaving comments like, “It’s ridiculous that JYJ is being excluded from Oricon just because that in itself is advertising and promoting the album,” “Oricon is killing the reliability of their chart,” and “Is JYJ nothing more than a tool to make money for Avex?”

Source: Star News via Daum, Osen

Credit: Allkpop

JYJ’s Representatives Speak Out Against “Unfair Treatment” from Avex & Oricon

On the morning of March 9th, JYJ’s representatives released an official statement regarding JYJ’s DVD and album being excluded from Japan’s Oricon Charts.

Through Star News, they revealed, “It’s ridiculous for Avex to block JYJ from promoting in Japan, and yet still claim rights over the sales and profits of JYJ’s albums.”

They continued, “It’s extremely upsetting that such situations continue to harm not only Korean fans, but Japanese fans as well, who are doing nothing but patiently waiting for JYJ to return. The artists were not consulted at all by Avex over the albums’ release. We hope that this matter is rectified immediately.”

“It is unfair treatment,” they concluded.

Source: Star News via Nate

Credit: Allkpop

Tohoshinki Announces Their First Single of 2011

When it was announced by Avex that Tohoshinki (TVXQ) was going to continue as a unit, there were mixed reactions. There were those who refused to believe that the group was still ‘TVXQ’ because there were only two members left; they drew reassurance in seeing how the official image on the Avex website still displayed the original five.

Unfortunately, the reality isn’t so neat.

It was announced that TVXQ will be releasing their first single as a two-member unit on January 26th, 2011. While details regarding the title have yet to be released, what is known is that there will be two versions available.

The ‘First Press Limited Edition’ will include two title tracks, as well as two different versions of the songs. DVD with the title track’s PV and ‘off shoot movie’ will also be included in the package. Only the first press album will have a different jacket, utilizing 1 of 6 random photos. This CD+DVD unit has been priced at ¥1,890 ($22.50 USD).

The ‘Normal Edition’ will include the two title tracks, a remix of the main track, and two different versions of the songs. As an added bonus, the ‘first press’ of this version will have an alternative jacket (1 of 6 photos) and a 12-page booklet. This version will only cost fans ¥1,050 ($12.50 USD).

>(Note: Title and extras are subject to change. Also, once Avex’s mu-mo shop releases more information, the Bigeast fanclub will have their own original version.)

Source