INFINITE Lee Seongjong Wins Lawsuit Against SPK Entertainment: Unpaid Settlement Confirmed
Lee Seongjong, a member of INFINITE, has won a civil lawsuit against his former agency, SPK Entertainment (CEO Kim Seung-pil), over unpaid settlement fees. The court ruled in favor of Lee Seongjong, confirming that SPK Entertainment must pay the overdue amounts with interest.
Background of the Dispute
Lee Seongjong signed an exclusive contract with SPK Entertainment in August 2022, but alleged that the agency failed to fulfill its contractual obligations. This included the promised contract payment as well as support for broadcasting appearances, fan meetings, and album releases.
After sending a formal notice and demanding corrections for contract violations, which were ignored by SPK Entertainment, Lee Seongjong terminated the contract in 2023. He also filed for an injunction to suspend the contract’s validity, which resulted in a forced mediation, granting him freedom from the agency.
Lawsuit and Court Ruling
Alongside the termination of his exclusive contract, INFINITE Lee Seongjong filed a lawsuit seeking unpaid settlement fees for activities spanning two years. This included earnings from INFINITE promotions, YouTube appearances, and Japanese fan meetings. After more than a year of legal proceedings, Lee Sungjong won the case on February 28, 2025.
The court ordered SPK Entertainment to pay INFINITE Lee Seongjong all unpaid settlement fees with interest:
- 6% annual interest from April 21, 2023, to February 28, 2025
- 12% annual interest starting from March 1, 2025, until full payment is made
Significance
This ruling marks a significant victory for INFINITE Lee Seongjong as he continues his independent career after leaving SPK Entertainment. It also highlights ongoing concerns about fair treatment and transparency in artist-agency relationships within the entertainment industry.
Key Highlights:
- Exclusive Contract Signed: August 2022
- Contract Terminated: 2023
- Lawsuit Filed: Over unpaid settlement fees spanning two years
- Court Ruling Date: February 28, 2025
- Interest Rates Ordered: 6% (April 21, 2023–Feb. 28, 2025); 12% (from March 1, 2025)
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