Netizens have had mixed reactions to K-pop group EXO Kris’ lawsuit against SM Entertainment.
EXO members expressed confusion and accused Kris of betrayal, while Internet users and fans conveyed support for the idol.
SM as of Friday morning has yet to make a public comment about the lawsuit’s effect on EXO’s concert on May 23.
Kris filed a suit asking the Seoul Central District Court to nullify his contract with Korea’s largest entertainment agency Thursday, despite the boy band’s rising popularity throughout Asia. The 23-year-old celebrity accused SM of imposing an unfair contract and exploitation.
EXO members Tao and Suho posted online statements suggesting regret.
“We are innocent,” said Tao on his account on Chinese social networking site Weibo.
“Somebody has left us,” he added. “I wish him the best of luck.”
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Suho, another member of EXO said, “Kris’ actions were irresponsible. Our members and our agency do not have any problems. Kris should cancel his lawsuit and apologize both to us and to our company.”
Fans left comments supporting Kris.
“I really wonder if (Suho’s comments) are really his. I wouldn’t be surprised if SM is trying to create an impression of a member-versus-member confrontation, rather than a member-versus-agency situation,” said one user.
SM stocks plummeted more than 5 percent after Kris sued SM, from 49,800 won per share to 47,000 won as of 9 a.m. Friday.
Kris is the leader of EXO-M, a subunit of EXO. He joined SM in 2007.
By Jeong Hunny (hj257@heraldcorp.com)
