Running Man star Song Ji Hyo requested a termination of her exclusive contract with her agency, Uzu Rocks.
Song Ji Hyo signed an exclusive contract with the agency in October 2022. However, the agency got embroiled in allegations that it has not paid its artists and employees due to financial struggles.
Uzu Rocks addressed the rumors in a statement on April 5, saying that the wages would be paid on April 10 — which is the original payday. It also pledged to carry out the quarterly settlement with the artists as scheduled.
However, the company lost one of its artists after Song Ji Hyo's recent move.
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Song Ji Hyo Files a Request To Terminate Contract With Uzu Rocks
On Monday, OSEN (via My Daily) reported that Song Ji Hyo formally left Uzu Rocks earlier this month. The actress' team is reportedly preparing to file a lawsuit to verify her contract's validity, as well.
A representative for Song Ji Hyo confirmed the news, saying that the actress notified the agency regarding the termination on April 14 due to their "collapsed mutual trust."
Uzu Rocks issued an apology statement following the confirmation and said it agreed to the termination of the exclusive contract.
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"We acknowledge our mistake caused by rapid expansion in operating a variety of content-based business," the label said. "We further apologize for causing concern to many people who support and give strength to our existing business."
In response to this, Song Ji Hyo's representative said they would proceed with the settlement lawsuit and clarified that they had not received an additional contract from the company.
Uzu Rocks Facing Major Financial Problems
The news came after earlier reports revealed that Uzu Rocks let go of 10 employees due to financial difficulties. Others reportedly leave on their own due to worries surrounding the company's uncertain future.
One employee said they had not been paid for two months as well as other celebrities.
"I haven't been paid in 2 months. For some employees, their insurance policies haven't been paid either. I also didn't receive the year-end settlement refund I should've received along with my salary. Celebrities aren't being paid their appearance or endorsement fees either," the employee said.
The insider added that even managers had not been paid for three months, with the company failing to give them notice regarding missed payments.
Uzu Rocks' CEO, Park Joo Nam, is currently in the US.
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